This edition, exceptionally moved to the fall due to the health crisis, was to be unpredictable.
And in the end, it is the most predictable of the winners who triumphs.
Ruthless Rafael Nadal, winner 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 of Novak Djokovic in the final.
Roland-Garros indestructible statue.
In Paris, there is indeed him and the others.
No one in history has won the same singles title more than twelve times, Major or not.
The king of the earth broke the wall of the hundred on Sunday with only two defeats since 2005. Scheduled to win over Philippe-Chatrier whatever the season.
Legend of spring, legend of autumn.
The ogre of ocher had yet landed in Paris with a touch of uncertainty and seemed to have a smaller margin than before.
The humble champion had warned: “It will be a big challenge this year to play well here.
These conditions are not ideal at all for me, but I will fight on every point. ”
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The autumnal context (cold and humidity) and the new heavier balls were supposed to make his infernal lift lose efficiency ... He nevertheless masterfully rose to the challenge to stretch his reign even further.
He who swallows up the tournament (13 titles in 16 participations) and comes out bigger than ever.
We thought that to evolve under the roof, deployed because of the rainy conditions on Sunday, would be an asset for Djokovic, the king of the indoor ... But the incredible Nadal knew how to adapt to the particular conditions and thwarted the Serbian machine.
This is the third time he has dominated Djokovic in a final at Roland Garros, after 2012 and 2014. The world number one suffers in passing his seventh defeat in eight matches against his rival on Parisian clay.
"He is the owner of the premises," Djokovic said.
Confirmation.
“Sorry for today. In Australia, Novak had killed me. This time it's for me ”
Rafael Nadal
The 56th blockbuster showdown didn't really deliver on its promises.
The fault of the Spaniard who suffocated an unrecognizable Djokovic (52 unforced errors for the Serbian, 14 for his rival).
Aggressive, striking backhand and cutting forehand, Nadal started his game with authority.
Exceptional in defense, not at all disturbed by the many depreciations of the Serbian, the Spaniard completely disturbed the world number one who even cashed a bubble in the first set.
A first for him in 28 Grand Slam finals.
"I thought the conditions were favorable for me," said Djokovic.
But he proved the opposite.
Usually when I attack the ball like this I multiply the winning shots.
But he defended tremendously.
He showed he was the king of clay. He played perfectly.
That's all.
There was nothing to do.
He was just unplayable. ”
The Spaniard had lost 15 of their last 18 encounters and remained on a scathing defeat in the final to Australia in 2019 (6-3, 6-3, 6-3).
Change of scenery.
“Sorry for today,” he breathed hot on the court to his rival.
In Australia, Novak had killed me.
This time it's for me. "
“It is beyond comprehension. In my opinion, this is the greatest sporting achievement that we will see in any sport. ”
Guy Forget
The Serbian can console himself by saying that he snatched more games than Roger Federer humiliated by Nadal in 2008 (6-1, 6-3, 6-0)….
A Federer that Nadal joins, at the top with a twentieth Grand Slam title, record equaled.
Tournament director Guy Forget sums it up: “It is beyond belief.
In my opinion, this is the greatest sporting achievement that we will see in any sport. ”
“There is a story and we have to continue it,” explained Carlos Moya, Nadal's coach.
The Nadal saga continues and we do not see why it would stop.
See you next year for a 14th title at Roland Garros.
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