Spain’s Rafael Nadal continues his reign as the world number one this week after winning the Roland Garros title for the ninth time on Sunday. Nadal defeated rival and world number two Novak Djokovic in four sets 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4. The Mallorcan also prevented Djokovic from achieving a career Grand Slam. The French Open is the only title Djokovic has yet to win although he has come close to achieving this twice. Djokovic had the chance to reclaim the top ranking with a title win.
“It was very important for me to win that second set,” Nadal admitted. “Without that second set, I don’t know if I would have this trophy with me now.”
Nadal is now tied with Pete Sampras in second place in the Grand Slam title-leaders list with 14 Grand Slam titles. The all-time leader is Roger Federer with 17 Slam titles.
“Federer has 17 and I have [won] 14 Grand Slams,” said Nadal. “[Breaking the record], it’s not a source of motivation for me. I’ll follow my own path. Then when my career is over, we’ll count. I don’t really care that much about the records. I’ll still play with a lot of intensity. I’ll still be motivated.
“To me, winning is the result, the equivalent of lots of effort. Therefore, I feel more serene and personally I’m very satisfied.”
Nadal received €1.65 million in prize money.
