Rafael Nadal won his 13th Roland-Garros on October 11, 2020. -
Alessandra Tarantino / AP / SIPA
At Roland-Garros,
Novak Djokovic's first “real” defeat in 2020 was therefore a huge slap in the face.
A demontada in order, inflicted by a Rafael Nadal definitely indestructible as soon as he inhales the air of Roland-Garros.
We said the Spaniard was almost an outsider before this final, facing a world number 1 at the top and in conditions - cold, humidity, roof closed - which made his strikes less merciless.
He settled day-to-day business in three sets (6-0, 6-2, 7-5) to win his 13th Roland and join Roger Federer high up in tennis history, with now 20 Grand Slam titles in his record.
Ruffling.
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 @ RafaelNadal conquers Novak Djokovic 6-0 6-2 7-5 to remain perfect in Paris finals and earn title 1️⃣3️⃣ at #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/lzOz5dmoqQ
- Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 11, 2020
“Winning here, for me, is the best thing there is.
I can not even say what it represents, he reacted, moved, when receiving the trophy.
I'm so happy… Everyone knows that this tournament, and this court in particular, is very important to my career.
Since 2005 and his first victory, in capri pants and sleeveless jersey, the Mallorcan has made Porte d'Auteuil his HQ, where he always takes refuge when morale or physique is affected.
Fifteen years later, the magic still operates.
Because it is not necessary to believe, himself doubted before this tournament.
Nadal is a man of habits, of landmarks.
And there everything was turned upside down.
“A month and a half ago, if I had been told that I was going to win, I would have answered that it would surely be too hard this year, he confessed.
The conditions were not favorable, but I knew how to adapt, remained positive even if it was complicated, with the balls, the cold, etc.
It's a huge satisfaction to have overcome that, and this victory has a special value for me.
"
What a point of Nadal 🔥🔥
The Nadal machine is launched!
The Spaniard leaves only crumbs for Djokovic for the moment and will look for a new break in this final 🎾
6-0, 4-1 for the Mallorcan against the Serbian # RG20
Follow the final live: https: // t. co / eYPzONYtav pic.twitter.com/HzjnA4W9rO
- France tv sport (@francetvsport) October 11, 2020
Astonished by his own level of play, Nadal erased one by one all the predictions on this meeting.
Djokovic who disturbs him by varying a lot, especially with his amortizations that he had worked all the tournament?
The first two worked, and then that's it.
Djokovic impassable from the baseline in indoor conditions?
The forehand lasso is still there.
We could go on like this for hours, the Spaniard has found all the keys to plunge his opponent's head under water and never let him go up.
“I thought these conditions would be more favorable to me.
I felt good during this tournament, but Rafa proved me wrong.
That's why he's such a wonderful player, greeted the loser, who had only taken three bubbles in his career, including two when he was 18 years old.
I don't have much to say.
He passed me, he didn't miss, he was everywhere.
He played wonderfully well.
"
El primer set de Nole, gráfica descripción: pic.twitter.com/KMcFYhC89y
- ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) October 11, 2020
The recital was well worth a message from the Master.
A few minutes after the match point, Roger Federer congratulated his "friend and greatest rival" from home.
“Well done, Rafa.
You deserve it, RodGER wrote.
I hope this figure of 20 [major titles] is just one more step in an ongoing journey for both of us.
"
pic.twitter.com/TzQhBeuwML
- Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) October 11, 2020
“We have a great relationship, and it means a lot to me.
It's an honor to share this record with him, Nadal replied.
I have never hidden that I would love to end my career being the one who won the most Grand Slam titles, even if I trace my way, without thinking all the time about what Roger or Novak did.
As a sports fan, I know this number is important.
Our rivalry with Roger too.
It's been so many years… We'll see where we will be at the end of our careers.
Fortunately, it is not yet for now.
Sport
Roland-Garros: Behind the Nadal-Djokovic final, the fight for the record of Grand Slam victories
Sport
Roland-Garros: It could snow in Paris, Rafael Nadal "continues to take steps forward"
Novak Djokovic
Sport
Roland Garros
Rafael Nadal
Tennis