By: Tennie Sumague, Eagle News Service US, New York Bureau
Paris,France – The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal wins his record breaking tenth French Open title at Roland Garros, dismantling 2015 champion Stanislas Wawrinka in straight sets, 6-2,6-3,6-1 on Sunday afternoon. Nadal did not drop a set throughout the tournament, losing only 33 games. The Spaniard regained his dominance at the slow clay surface winning his 15th overall Grand Slam title.
“It’s truly incredible,” Nadal told the crowd at Philippe Chatrier Court. In this court, to win the Decima is very, very special. I’m really emotional…It’s the most important event in my career without a doubt.”
Plagued by injuries throughout last season, Nadal opened this year as the runner up to longtime rival, Roger Federer at the Australian Open in January. He entered the clay court season with tournament wins at Barcelona and Monte Carlo.
When asked about French Open title number 10 being more special than the others, Nadal said yes.
“Because of the level of tennis and accepting that I have had problems, physical problems for the last period of time, it’s an important one.”
Third seeded Warwinka looked defeated against the fourth seeded Nadal in the final after winning his marathon 4 ½ hour semifinal match against world number one, Andy Murray on Friday.
“For sure this score wasn’t good, the match wasn’t good, but at the end of the day there’s a lot of positives to take from the last few weeks,” said Warwinka.
At 31 years of age, Nadal is the only player to win ten titles at one major and passed Pete Sampras with the second most Grand Slam titles, only three behind Federer. Nadal will attempt to chase after Federer’s record when Wimbledon begins next month in London.