The name, Rafael Nadal is synonymous with EL REY DEL CLAY 'The King of Clay. The Spanish World Number One had a date with history on Sunday afternoon in Southern Paris. A place he is accustomed to and has won eight times prior but the challenge before him was different from that of the last eight tournaments. The obstacle between him and an unprecedented ninth Roland Garros crown was his greatest adversary, Novak Djokovic. The Serb may have lost thirteen times on the red dirt to his great rival but since he became immortal at the start of 2011, he has defeated the Clay GOAT four times-all in finals of tournaments the King usually dominates. Madrid (11), Rome(11), Monte Carlo(13), Rome (14). Nadal, on the other hand, has won only three- Rome (13), Roland Garros (12) and Roland Garros (13). Sunday's match was very important for both men and none was ready to concede defeat.
For Nadal, hoisting a ninth French Open title and 5th in succession was something he may never have dreamt of when he was growing up, but here he was, on the brink of becoming the only man to achieve both feats, all in one match. Additionally, the Spanish warrior had to preserve his Number One ranking at least for two more weeks. Another important record he was trying to set/reach was a 14th Grand Slam-a record tying 14th to climb to 2nd all time alongside Pistol Pete (Sampras) and three behind the KING of Tennis, Roger Federer. Serbian superman, Novak Djokovic only had to beat Nadal to claim a 'Career Slam' and join the Spaniard and six other men as the only people to achieve such an unbelievable feat. But he knew he was up against the greatest clay court player in History and one who prevented King Roger from completing the set three times until Robin Soderling made sure it was a realistic dream. He also knew he had come out tops the last four times they played and that weighed positively on his mind. The stage was set.
Djokovic took advantage of some loose play in the eight game of the 1st set and needed no further invitation to break his rival and serve for it. Nadal worked himself nicely to 15-40 only to fall apart and hand the Serb the advantage. Nadal had not beaten Novak in five years after conceding the first set and the World Number Two was 35-0 in finals when winning the first set. Will the tables turn? We were about to find out. No one takes a fight to Nadal and expects to win easily. With blood gushing out of his eyes literally, the great man stepped it up a notch and destabilized the Djoker in the 12th game of the second set when he was trying to force a tie-break. That was it. One set all and EL MATADOR was back in business. The second set was completely dictated by the 8-time Champion. A break in the 2nd and 8th games meant it was a one-sided affair and on to the 4th set we went. In the fourth, Nadal broke for a 4-2 lead only to relinquish the advantage in the very next game. Typical Nadal repeated the US OPEN final 3rd set trick when he came back from 5-4 0-30 down to win four straight points (including a Djokovic double fault) and win his 14th Grand Slam final. The great man was appearing in his 20th final (2nd all time behind Federer's 24). Nadal extended his winning record over Djokovic on Parisan clay to 6-0 and dented his friend's chance of completing the slam set. Another massive disappointment for the Serb. Nadal not only defeated Djokovic, he also broke the 70 Million Dollars barrier in prize money, held on to his number one ranking and extended his winning streak to 35. The emotions were there for all to see from both men. Both let the tears run down freely when receiving their trophies. Nadal, the more tearful. He cried freely when the Spanish National Anthem was sang and couldn't hold his 9th COUPE DE MOSQUETAIRES for too long because of cramps. Once again, Nadal reigned supreme in Paris and order has been restored despite his indifferent form pre-tournament. Not since 2004 had the Champion failed to win at least two titles before the main clay slam tourney. But when there is a will, there is a way. EL REY DEL clay proved the doubters and even himself wrong. He called Djokovic his biggest challenge in tennis and that is stating the obvious. The man was visibly delighted that he wore down his nemesis. The gap may be 14-6 in Grand slam titles won but the rivalry is a lot closer than the stats portray. 23-19 is what the H2H reads. Anyone that has beaten NADAL 19 times is greater than Mohammed Ali.
VAMOS RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAMPEON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
