Spain's Rafael Nadal has demolished world No. 1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia 6-0 6-2 7-5 in the French Open final to claim a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title.
With his record-improving 13th triumph at Roland Garros, world No. 2 Nadal is now tied with Swiss Roger Federer as the player with the most men's singles major titles.
Nadal was the early aggressor, as he choked Djokovic to win the opening set in brutal fashion, making only two unforced errors. He then kept a firm grip on a subdued Djokovic in the second set under the roof of court Philippe Chatrier.
Djokovic, who was looking to win his 18th Grand Slam title, rebelled in the third set, breaking back for 3-3, only to drop serve on a double fault in the 11th game, before Nadal went on to bag his 100th victory at Roland Garros with an ace.
"First of all, of course, congrats to Novak for another great tournament, sorry for today," says Nadal, who has now beaten Djokovic in all of their three French Open finals.
"In Australia [in the 2019 final], he killed me. We've played so many times, one day one wins, another day the other wins."
Djokovic had won five Grand Slam finals in a row, since being beaten by Stan Wawrinka at the 2016 Australian Open, but Nadal was not upset on his turf, despite a new stadium design, the roof and the lack of spectators amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The 34-year-old Nadal would not think of matching Federer's mark.
"To win here means everything," he says. "I don't think today about the 20th and equal Roger on this great number - today is just a Roland Garros victory and that means everything to me.
"This love story I have with this city and this court is unforgettable."
Reuters
