Nadal claims historic eighth win

Rafael Nadal has won 59 of his 60 games at Roland Garros
10 June 2013

There were doubts and there was suffering but Rafael Nadal wrote his name in the history books once more with an unprecedented eighth title at the French Open.

Nadal beat first-time finalist Ferrer 6-3 6-2 6-3 to become the first man ever to win eight singles titles at one grand slam. It was his 12th grand slam title, putting him level with Roy Emerson in third on the all-time list, and his 59th win from 60 matches at Roland Garros, more than any other man.

The most remarkable thing is Nadal only returned from seven months out with knee problems in February, since when he has won seven titles and lost two finals. The 27-year-old said: "I'm very happy, very emotional, it's a very important victory for me."

He continued: "Five months ago nobody in my team dreamed about a comeback like this because we thought that it was going to be impossible.

"I am a positive guy. I think always in a positive way. But doubts are part of this life. People who don't have doubts, it's because they are so arrogant. Doubts are in everything. Nothing is clear in this world. So for sure I have doubts, but I work as much as I can to be here. I can have doubts, yes, but if I don't work, it's sure that I will not be back."

Ferrer fought back well after dropping his serve in the third game but was broken again in the seventh game and Nadal quickly clinched the first set. Ferrer took just three of his 12 break points in the match, which was never going to be good enough, and it cost him in the second set.

The most dramatic moment occurred at 5-1 when a bare-chested protester wearing a mask and carrying a flare leapt from the stands onto Court Philippe Chatrier. He was close to Nadal but was quickly tackled by security staff and wrestled to the ground.

Ferrer's last chance came in the seventh game of the final set but he did not take it and a double fault on break point then handed his countryman the chance to serve for the title. Nadal did not waver, clinching victory on his eighth match point with a trademark forehand winner, his 35th of the match.

Fourth-seed Ferrer said: "It was 6-3 6-2 6-3 but I think the first set and the third one, it was close. Anyway, Rafael was better than me. He served better, he played very aggressive with his forehand, he didn't make mistakes, he played more regular and consistent than me. Rafael, in important moments, he's the best. He played very good points always.

"I think he has the best mentality I've ever seen in my career. He has everything. He can play aggressive, he has good hands at the net and physically he's unbelievable. He can play five sets two days ago and today he can play similar tennis."

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