Rafael Nadal has won the French Open for a 12th time
When Nadal beat a weary Dominic Thiem 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 on the court he has owned since a teen, the Spaniard became the first player to ever win the same grand slam 12 times. He moved one ahead of Margaret Court's haul at the Australian Open which he matched a year ago by bettering the same Thiem in Paris. Visit CNN Sport for more news and videosSo the term 'King of Clay' just doesn't do justice to the now 18-time grand slam champion anymore.
— Roland-Garros June 9, 2019 That seems inconceivable. It is a mastery unmatched by any tennis player on any surface in any era. "Winning a grand slam isn't easy. Winning 12 French titles is beyond belief," said on Twitter the man who presented Nadal with the Coupe des Mousquetaires, Rod Laver. Laver achieved the calendar year grand slam twice. Nadal improved to 93-2 at the French Open and has never lost a final. Or even been taken to five sets.
— Roland-Garros June 9, 2019 For the third straight season, the unfortunate Thiem lost to Nadal at the French Open after defeating him in a warmup. He thus knows first hand the difference between trying to overcome Nadal over three sets compared to five. That Thiem was able to make matters competitive is a credit to him -- three of the four sets were close, regardless of the final two set scores.
How clay helped make Nadal 03:42What wasn't in the script was to get broken in the next game. It was a momentum changing two games but an even more important one was to come. In an extended 10-minute game, Nadal saved a break point to hold for 4-3. Reeling, Thiem dropped serve, the game highlighted by Nadal chasing a fine Thiem drop shot and then replying with his own drop shot winner.
Dominic Thiem: Austria's rising star 03:14The answer came quickly. After a lengthy bathroom break, Nadal stormed to the first 11 points and tallied a double break advantage with a reflex forehand pass. The spectators loved it and so did Nadal, who produced a multiple fist pump. "After the first two sets, I dropped a little bit my level" and then Nadal"stepped on me," conceded Thiem.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Factbox: Rafa Nadal's 11 French Open final victoriesFollowing is a factbox on Rafael Nadal's 11 French Open final wins ahead of...
Read more »
Factbox: French Open champion Rafa NadalFactbox on Rafa Nadal, who beat Dominic Thiem 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 in the final on Su...
Read more »
Austria's Thiem rattles Rafa but title still out of reachDominic Thiem achieved something few players have ever managed in any of Rafael ...
Read more »
Factbox: Dominic Thiem vs. Rafa NadalA look at the records of Austria's Dominic Thiem and Spain's Rafa Nada...
Read more »
Adrenaline-fueled Thiem ready for RafaAustrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem says he will be fueled by adrenaline when he ...
Read more »
Nadal beats Thiem to claim record-stretching 12th French Open titleRafael Nadal claimed a record-stretching 12th French Open title by beating Austr...
Read more »