Ruthless Rafa has final word
RAFAEL NADAL admits he saved his best until last as he demolished Dominic Thiem to seal his 11th French Open title.
The 32-year-old continued his stunning domination at Roland Garros with a 6-4 6-3 6-2 ruthless win to earn his 17th Grand Slam – three behind Roger Federer’s all-time men’s record.
Seventh seed Thiem – the only player to have beaten Nadal on clay in two years – claimed he had a plan to thwart the Spaniard in Paris.
However, once a competitive first set went the way of the world No.1’s way the only thing to trouble him unduly was a tightening up of his arm midway through the third set.
But Nadal said: “I had to be very aggressive, he’s a difficult opponent.
“I had a tough moment in the third set when I had a little cramp. I was a bit scared. It was humid and he pushed me.
“I’m very happy to win the tournament. Dominic is a good friend but I BY TED TRACEY played my best match today, in the Final.”
The early signs were ominous for Thiem. The Austrian won just one of the first nine points as Nadal immediately broke for 2-0.
He forced two break points in the next game and converted the second with a flashing forehand into the right corner but it was the only blow he landed.
At 4-5 Thiem’s serve let him down badly, handing Nadal three set points.
There was mild concern when Nadal called for the trainer for treatment but a break in the second set, two more in the third, and Nadal was serving for the title.
When another Thiem forehand dropped long, Nadal’s arms were raised in celebration as he levelled with Margaret Court for the record of the most titles at a single Grand Slam.
Thiem said: “I love the tournament. I hope I will soon get a chance.”