Last week, Rafael Nadal won the 14th Roland Garros title, restoring order in Paris and putting two Major titles between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. The Spanish monarch Felipe VI was among the spectators on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Sunday’s final, together with his team and family.
King Felipe VI shares his views on Rafael Nadal
Rafa gave the king something to cheer about by defeating Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 and capturing the 22nd Major title in two hours and 18 minutes. It was Nadal’s 14th win in as many finals in Paris, and his 112th win in 115 matches at his favourite tournament.
Despite numerous setbacks due to injuries, Rafa has won the first two Majors of his career and added to the annals of tennis history. After the match, King Felipe VI thanked Nadal and declared him the greatest Spanish athlete of all time.
Before suffering a rib fracture, Rafa had a flawless start to the season, winning 20 of his first 21 games. In Madrid, Nadal returned to action, but only won a handful tennis matches in the Caja Magica and Foro Italico. Nadal upgraded his game at Roland Garros, playing under the influence of drugs and winning seven games to reclaim the title and extend his supremacy.
Nadal was the favourite to win the 14th Roland Garros title, despite the presence of first-time Major finalist Casper Ruud on the other side of the net. In sets one and two, the Norwegian gave it his all, but his backhand and serve couldn’t keep up with his opponent’s pace.
Nadal took a two-set lead and raced past his opponent in the decider to deliver a bagel and win his 22nd Major title.
“Rafa is, without a doubt, the best athlete in the history of Spain. At the end of the match, I thanked him. Spain has to pay him a tribute for many, many years. Nadal is the king of Roland Garros and the tennis world. He has achieved a record that will be very difficult to beat,” King Felipe VI said.
