The Spaniard is the undeniable ‘King of Clay’ and so much more, and his other-worldly stats at Roland-Garros are a testament to why he has been able to clinch an unprecedented 14th title.
Rafael Nadal has lifted an unprecedented 14th French Open trophy after defeating Norway’s Casper Ruud, who trained at Nadal’s academy in Spain, in the 2022 final on Sunday (5 June) on Court Philippe-Chatrier at Roland Garros.
The tennis legend, Beijing 2008 Olympic gold medallist and aptly nicknamed King of Clay triumphed over his academy pupil 6–3 6–3 6–0 for No.14 at the French Open, a year and eight months after his last victory with his 13th title in October 2020.
Nadal, who turned 36 during the tournament, gave no real indication that he would be toppled along the way, also seeing off world No.1 and defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals.
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Rafael Nadal: Olympic highlights
With his triumph at the 2022 Australian Open Nadal took his major titles count to 21, a record in the men’s Open Era, overtaking both Roger Federer and Djokovic, tied at 20. Now, he has added to that, with his 22nd major trophy.
Federer had held the record since surpassing Pete Sampras at Wimbledon in 2009. At this year’s tournament, Nadal matched Federer for 15 semi-final appearances at one of tennis’ four major tournaments – Nadal at Roland Garros and Federer at the Australian Open.
Nadal’s historic 14 titles is the most of any player at a single major. The Spaniard is an astounding 112-3 in 18 career appearances in Paris, dating back to his debut in 2005.
Here, we offer some of Nadal’s most eye-popping numbers at the French Open.
