LA DECIMA FOR THE KING OF CLAY
‘Perfect’ Nadal powers to 10th Roland Garros title in quest to top world again
RAFA NADAL dedicated La Decima to his uncle Toni – and rated his 10th French Open triumph as “perfect”.
And the new world No.2 said he will now target another Wimbledon triumph and a return to the top of the rankings.
The Spaniard simply destroyed Stan Wawrinka 6-2 6-3 6-1 in a devastating display of power tennis.
The King of Clay was then presented with a special trophy to mark his recordextending haul by his coach and mentor Toni Nadal, who retires at the end of the season.
Nadal, who first won here in 2005 aged 19, said: “Thanks to my uncle. He’s been with me since I was three years old, we’ve been working a lot and without him I would not have these 10 trophies.
“I feel very emotional. Magical things have happened for me at this tournament. In 2005, I thought in 2017 I’d be fishing on my boat in Mallorca. I didn’t really think I’d have such a long career and win so many tournaments.
“Today was special as I had this very special gift, the replica of the cup. You need the right circumstances, the right ingredients to win 10 French Open titles. I’m very happy I’m the one who did it.”
The Spaniard lost only 35 games all tournament – just three more than the record set by Bjorn Borg in 1978.
“I’ve been playing great during the whole event,” he said. “It’s been a perfect Roland Garros for me.”
It was also Nadal’s 15th Grand Slam title – and his first since winning here in 2014 before suffering from injuries and a loss of form and fitness. He pulled out last year with a wrist problem. “During the three years, I had doubts every day,” said the 31-year-old. “And for that reason, I’m having the success that I had.” Setting his sights on a third Wimbledon title, he said: “I’m motivated. I love grass, and it’s a surface I really enjoyed a lot. If I have pain in the knees, then I know from experience that it’s almost impossible. “Winning these kind of titles, then you have chances to become any number on the ranking. If I am able to keep playing well, why not become No.1?”
Wawrinka (left, with Nadal) had beaten Andy Murray in the semis and won all three of his previous Grand Slams finals. But the 2015 champion had no answer. His serve was broken six times and he snapped a racquet over his knee in frustration in the second set. The final was an anti-climax because Nadal was so good.
“For sure, I didn’t play my best tennis,” said the Swiss. “But he’s playing the best he’s ever played. That’s why he’s winning so much again.”