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Spain’s Rafael Nadal won his 14th French open title, beating Casper Ruud of Norway, 6-3, 6-3, 6-0.  Nadal is now 112-3 at Roland Garros, earning his 22nd Grand Slam title, ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are tied at 20. Nadal’s record in finals is now 23 of his last 26.

Nadal’s victory also comes two days after his 36th birthday, making him the oldest title winner in the history of the clay-court tournament. Nadal said in his on-court interview after the game: “For me personally, it’s very difficult to describe the feelings that I have. It’s something that I for sure never believed I’d be here at 36, being competitive again, playing in the most important court of my career one more final — it means a lot to me.”

This is the first time Nadal’s career he’s won the first two Grand Slams of the calendar year; he won the Australian Open in January, all while dealing with a “chronic” foot injury. With Wimbledon just weeks away, Nadal said: “I don’t know what can happen in the future, but I’m gonna keep fighting to try to keep going so many times.”

Editorial credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

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