"I never believed I would be here at 36, being competitive again, playing on the most important court of my career one more time in a final," Nadal stated during the trophy presentation.
Digital Desk: Spain's Rafael Nadal affirms his 22nd Grand
Slam title, which extends his men's record and tied Steffi Graf for the
second-most major singles titles in the Open Era, behind only Serena Williams'
record of 23; At 36, Nadal is now 112-3 at Roland Garros.
Rafael Nadal won his 14th French Open title and a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam by seeing off Casper Ruud in Sunday's final at Roland Garros. Nadal defeated the 23-year-old 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 to take his Grand Slam title tally to 22-two more than his old rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Nadal's win came amid concerns over his playing future as a chronic left foot injury, which has tormented him throughout his career, blazed up again. Before Sunday, he had even confessed that he would rather lose the final in exchange for a new foot. Nadal, who has lost only three times at Roland Garros since his debut in 2005, is two days past his 36th birthday and suffering from a chronic foot problem that has prompted rumors of retirement.
"I never believed I would be here at 36, being competitive again, playing on the most important court of my career one more time in a final," Nadal stated during the trophy presentation. He then went on to say that he wants to keep going, reducing fears of a retirement announcement. "I don't know what can happen in the future, but I'm going to keep fighting to try to keep going," Nadal said, drawing acclamation from the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier.
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