Nadal wins eighth French Open title

Originally published on: 09/06/13 00:00

The world No.4 defeated fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 6-3 6-2 6-3 to claim an eighth French Open title in nine years.

Nadal, who celebrated his 27th birthday during the tournament, also made history on Sunday as he claimed a record 59 match wins in Paris.

Ferrer, meanwhile, playing in his maiden Grand Slam final, battled hard but was ultimately unable to trouble his compatriot, arguably the greatest clay-court player of all time.

Collecting La Coupe des Mousquetaires title from Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt, Nadal, who made his comeback in February after seven months out with a knee injury, paid tribute to his family.

He said: "It's one of the most special [titles]. In the last year I have had some low moments but without my family I would not have done this. Without my physio I could not have done this. I never realised something like this could happen for me."

While serving for the second set, Nadal was briefly disrupted by an on-court intruder brandishing a flare on Court Philippe Chatrier, but the protester was quickly bundled to the floor by security guards.

The former world No.1 immediately dropped his serve, but quickly rediscovered his rhythm to secure victory in two hours and 16 minutes. The victory also moves him ahead of Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver to third in the all-time list with 12 major titles.

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