Nadal outclasses Djokovic to win 13th French Open title, ties Federer record

RAFAEL Nadal won the French Open men’s singles title at Roland Garros on Sunday for an unprecedented 13th time, his victory over world No.1 Novak Djokovic table him level with Roger Federer’s all-time Grand Slam mark.

The Spaniard delivered one of his finest performances against arguably his toughest rival to prevail 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 on Sunday.

It was Nadal’s 100th match win on the clay in Paris, his 27th from 56 showdowns with the Serb.

History was on the line for both men in their third showdown for the title on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Victory lifted Nadal to tie Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam singles titles, the feat achieved in two hours and 42 minutes. It was the first time the 34-year-old had drawn level with the Swiss great’s tally.

“A very tough year but a win here means everything to me. It’s not the moment, honestly not for me, I don’t think today being the 20th, equalling Roger on this great number,” Nadal said.

“For me today this is just a Roland-Garros victory. Roland-Garros means everything to me. I’ve spent the most important moments, or most of the most important moments in my tennis career [here], no doubt about that… For me just playing here is a true inspiration and the love story I have with this city and with this court is unforgettable.”

Djokovic was again bidding to become the first man in the Open Era to win all four majors twice. It was his first defeat from his past six major finals, but his fourth in a Roland-Garros title match.

It marked the first time Nadal had beaten Djokovic in a Grand Slam final since Roland-Garros 2014 and edged his nose in front 5-4 in their major finals head-to-head.