Rafael Nadal on Sunday steamrolled over his 23-year-old opponent Casper Rudd in the 2022 French Open final to win the tournament for a record 14th time. The Spaniard now has 22 Grand Slam titles against his name, two more than his closest competitors Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. 

He won 6-3, 6-3, 6-0. 

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Nadal won the last 11 games after trailing 3-1 in the second set. His triumph came two days after his 36th birthday and the Spaniard is now the oldest title winner in the history of the clay-court tournament.

Rafa’s first win at the Roland Garros came in 2005 at age 19. His win in 2022 comes on the same date- June 5. 

“Merci. First of all, Casper. It is a pleasure to play a final with you . I would like to congratulate you for an amazing tournament and career so far. I wish you all the best for the future,” Nadal said after the win. 

He further thanked his team, the organisers and volunteers. 

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The tennis GOAT added that he is unsure about the future but wants to keep figthing. 

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“For me. It’s hard to describe the feelings I have. I would not believe I would be here at 36. It means a lot, it means a lot of energy to keep going. I just want to say, thank you Paris. I don’t know what can happen in the future but I am going to keep fighting to try to keep going,” he added. 

“This is the first time for me, but the first thing to do is to congratulate Rafa. This is your 14th title here, 22nd in a grand slam. Today I got to feel what it is like to play you and I know I’m not the first victim! There have been many more!” Rudd said.