Rafael Nadal wins lucky 13th championship at Roland Garros

Winning his 13th French Open grand slam, Rafael Nadal now sits at the top of the grand slam record books alongside Roger Federer.

History was on the line at Roland Garros between the two best players in the world.

Both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal had Roger Federer’s 20 grand slams in sight, making the case that much stronger that either player deserves the GOAT title just as much as the Swiss player.

With his historic 20th grand slam victory, Rafa Nadal just staked his claim on the (clay).

In their 56th meeting, the 33-year-old Serbian entered Rafa’s house on Court Philippe Chartrier, but Rafa was in command from the outset winning in straight sets, 6-0, 6-2, 7-5.

The 34-year-old “king of clay” quickly baggeled Novak Djokovic, chomping at the bit for greater glory in the history books. His dominance was shockingly efficient over Djokovic, so much so that it prompted commentator John McEnroe to admit “this isn’t even a match” in the second set.

Even at moments when it looked like Djokovic would bounce back, Nadal had all the answers, like when he answered a drop shot at 1-1 at the beginning of the second set with such deft touch, securing the break point to race to another commanding lead in the second. There were too many mistakes from Nole, such as the shot he smacked into the net during that break moment, giving away the break to his Spanish rival.

Nadal continued to play with laser-like precision, firing another forehand right up the line to get to 5-1 in the second. The Spanish legend had complained about the changed conditions at this year’s tournament—heavy Wilson balls instead of the Babolat ones from the past, and much colder weather due to the changed schedule—but all of that seemed a moot point by the end of the fortnight.

At 5-1 in the second, even McEnroe quipped, “so much for the heavy conditions bothering him.”

Nole managed to hold his serve and put another game on the scoreboard, making it a less embarrassing drubbing than the first set, making it 6-2 in the second. Like the women’s final on Saturday, the men’s final between two titans of the sport was surprisingly lopsided. Considering the two legends who played, the uneven outcome was even more surprising.

The last time Djokovic and Nadal played each at the French, the 17-time slam champion had achieved a rare win over Nadal. The other six times they met at Roland Garros went the Spaniard’s way. Still, most fans expected a much closer match, perhaps a tense five setter.

The heavy loss was uncharacteristic of Djokovic, especially during a year where he has dominated most of it. Quite honestly, Nole looked like a pale version of himself in the final. But then again, Rafa has a way of doing that to everyone when it comes to the French.

Djokovic seemed to come alive in the third set, evening up the scoreboard and pushing Rafa out of his comfort zone. His shots started to finding the lines and producing frustration from the 34-year-old.

At 5-5 and with a break point on the line, Rafa pounced to put himself one step closer, converting to 6-5. It was an awkward moment, with Djokovic thinking he had hit a second serve right on the line, but a late call correctly called it out, erasing the little bit of hope the Serbian had at that point.

Nadal served for the match, with all the confidence of he could muster from the 12 times he had done it before.

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With all the turmoil this year has produced, you can always count on some things staying the same. Rafael Nadal claimed his 13th victory on the orange clay at Roland Garros and concluded the tennis year on his own terms, finishing the 2020 grand slam year as the definitive GOAT alongside his friend Federer.

In 2020, both own 20 grand slams each. Djokovic still sits with 17, including this year’s Australian Open.

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Rafa was asked about how he felt about getting to the same amount of slams as his great rival, Roger Federer, for the first time.

“Winning here means everything to me.” He said it wasn’t about equaling Federer’s record, but just savoring the victory at Roland Garros for itself. It was a very humble answer for a legend who plays like anything but.

It will be interesting to see what difference Roger Federer will make once he’s back on tour next year, and after knee surgeries.

One thing you can say for sure that the era of the Big Three is far from over.