Rafael Nadal beat world number Novak Djokovic in straight sets to claim his twentieth Grand Slam title and become the first person to win 13 French Open titles.
It means Nadal has now equalled Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slams. Federer, who named the Spaniard as his ‘greatest rival’ called the achievement of winning 13 Roland Garros titles as ‘one of the greatest achievements in sport.’
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) October 11, 2020
The 34-year-old ‘king of clay’ further cemented his legacy as one of the most formidable opponents to face off against on clay courts. “Some say beating Rafa over five sets on clay is the toughest thing in sport, not just tennis” claimed tennis legend John McEnroe.
Andy Murray was another tennis star to praise the monumental achievement. “This record of 13 slams at one venue will never be broken. Amazing”, said the British number one.
Nadal was joined by Iga Swiatek who also won the 2020 French open. The 19-year-old made her own bit of history becoming the first Polish tennis player to win a singles Grand Slam.
🙈Congratulations @RafaelNadal! It’s amazing to kind of share this experience with you. Am I even allowed to say this?🙈
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) October 11, 2020
The dominant victory over Djokovic was Nadal’s 100th victory at the Roland Garros. Since his first tournament in 2005, Nadal has lost just twice in the competition in 15 years, with an overall record of 100-2.
With the French Open being the last Grand Slam in the tennis calendar, both Nadal and Federer will finish 2020 in an exclusive club with a record 20 Grand Slams each.
