Rafael Nadal defeated Casper Ruud in the final of the 2022 French Open to win a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title and 14th at Roland Garros on Sunday afternoon.
The Spaniard took just under two and a half hours to claim a 6-3 6-3 6-0 win over first-time major finalist Ruud and extend his lead at the top of the all-time Grand Slam charts after winning the Australian Open earlier this year.
Roland Garros veteran Nadal got off to the dream start with an immediate break of serve in the opening game, as Ruud had no answer to the record holder's passing forehand.
However, a pair of double faults handed Ruud an opportunity to break back straight away, and the first-time Grand Slam finalist did so following a tame Nadal effort.
The Spaniard soon made it three breaks on the bounce to regain his two-game lead, although Ruud forced the 36-year-old to work for the first-set success as he held well in the latter stages.
Nadal still managed to go one set to the good as the backhand continued to bedevil Ruud, who would need to do something that no man had done before to stay in with a chance of victory – win two sets against Nadal in a French Open final.
After saving three break points to hold in the opening game of the second set, Ruud found himself 3-1 up after an uncharacteristic double fault from Nadal, who quickly broke back to get back on serve.
Nadal proceeded to chase after a lob from Ruud which ultimately landed beyond the baseline to move 4-3 up, and he held confidently to move one game away from a 2-0 lead.
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Norway's Ruud managed to save three set points on his serve, but there was to be no denying Nadal another break as the 14-time champion watched his counterpart produce another double fault.
Any hopes of one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history from Ruud seemingly evaporated as Nadal broke early in set number three, and the record holder would wrap up the crown with a bagel courtesy of a pinpoint down-the-line backhand.
"First of all we have to congratulate Rafa, 14 French Opens and 22 Grand Slams. I'm not the first victim, I know there have been many before!" an upbeat Ruud said during his on-court interview.
"You have taken me into your academy with open arms and we all hope you will continue for some more time. Even though I'm young I have a big team around me, I hope we can continue this journey for many more years.
"It's been two difficult years for everyone around the world with COVID so it's inspiring to play in front of a full house again. It gives me motivation to come back next year and I can't wait."
Champion Nadal added: "Casper, it's a real pleasure to play a final with you, I want to congratulate you for an amazing career you are already having, I am very happy for you.
"It's completely amazing the things that are happening this year, I cannot thank my team enough. Without you none of this would be possible, everything I've gone through with injuries I would have retired much earlier without you.
"For me and I think for a lot of people who love the history of this sport this is the best tournament in the world. You made me feel at home here. For me personally it's very difficult to describe the feelings that I have. I never believed I would be competitive again at 36 to play in my favourite court one more time.
"I don't know what can happen in the future but I will keep fighting and try to keep going."
Nadal has now won a total of 92 singles titles on the ATP circuit and has already won four tournaments in 2022 following success in the Melbourne Summer Set, Australian Open and Mexican Open.
Ben Knapton
