Fantastic 14! Nadal Defeats Ruud For Another Roland Garros Title
Rafael Nadal captured his 14th Roland Garros title and a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam trophy Sunday, dispatching Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 to write another chapter into his historic legacy.
By earning a 22nd Grand Slam crown, the Spaniard has moved further clear of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the Grand Slam race, with the Serbian and Swiss tied on 20 major titles.
It is the first time Nadal has won the Australian Open and Roland Garros trophies in the same season and he is now level with countryman Carlos Alcaraz on a Tour-leading four titles in 2022 after improving to 112-3 at the clay-court major.
“For me personally, it is very difficult to describe the feelings that I have. It is something that I have never believed. To be here at 36, being competitive again on the most important court of my career,” Nadal said during the trophy ceremony. “One more title means a lot. It means a lot of energy to try and keep going…I don’t know what can happen in the future but I am going to keep fighting to try and keep going.”
Most Grand Slam Men’s Singles Titles (all-time)
| Player | Grand Slam Titles |
| Rafael Nadal | 22 |
| Novak Djokovic | 20 |
| Roger Federer | 20 |
| Pete Sampras | 14 |
| Roy Emerson | 12 |
Nadal’s achievement in Paris is even more remarkable considering that he struggled with a chronic foot injury in defeat to Denis Shapovalov in Rome little more than three weeks ago.
However, he showcased his trademark fighting qualities throughout the fortnight in Paris to ensure he would maintain his stranglehold on the Coupe des Mousquetaires, improving to a remarkable 14-0 in Roland Garros finals.
”Team, family, everyone who is there. It is amazing the things that are happening this year,” Nadal said. “I just thank you very, very much for all the things you are doing for me and over the years. Without you none of this would be possible, without any doubt. Especially in the very tough moments we went through with injuries.
https://www.atptour.com/en/news/nadal-ruud-roland-garros-2022-final-sunday
