Rafael Nadal demolished Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to win his 13th French Open on Sunday. This win left him equal Roger Federer’s all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles.
Tennis fans would have been salivating at the prospect of another epic clash in one of sport’s greatest rivalries. However, it proved to be one of the most one-sided Grand Slam finals in the Open era under the closed roof of Court Philippe Chatrier.
The roof, which made its debut at this year’s re-scheduled Grand Slam, was closed just before the start of play. This sent pundits and fans on social media into a frenzy on which player would benefit most from the indoor conditions.
For world number one Djokovic, the defeat ended his hopes of an 18th Slam and closing in on Nadal and Federer on the most number of Grand Slam titles. It also ended his hopes of becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four majors twice.
Respect Amongst The Men’s ‘Big Three’ Tennis Players
Nadal, Djokovic and Federer have come to be known as the ‘The Big Three’ in the men’s division. All three men are in their 30’s yet they still dominate word tennis today.
They are statistics which illustrate even more starkly how big the gap remains the sport’s ‘Big Three’ and the rest. From Federer’s first Slam triumph at Wimbledon in 2003, 57 of the 69 majors have been won by the ‘Big Three’.
Irrespective of them competing against one another and encouraging one another to be better this is what each one had to say.
Novak Djokovic told Nadal during the trophy presentation:
“What you are doing in this court is unbelievable. Not just this court — throughout your entire career, you’ve been a great champion. Today you showed why you are King of the Clay.”
Rafael Nadal had the following to say:
“Congrats to Novak for another great tournament. Sorry for today. We’ve played plenty of times together – one day one wins, another the other”
Roger Federer reacted to Nadal’s win on Twitter, congratulating his “greatest rival.”
“I have always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion,” Federer said in his post. “As my greatest rival over many years, I believe we have pushed each other to become better players. Therefore, it is a true honor for me to congratulate him on his 20th Grand Slam victory.
“… I hope 20 is just another step on the continuing journey for both of us. Well done, Rafa. You deserve it.”