Rafael Nadal dominates Casper Ruud to win 14th Roland Garros crown

Relentless Rafael Nadal dominates Casper Ruud to win 14th Roland Garros crown

Rafael Nadal has shown his Roland Garros dominance again as he thrashed Casper Ruud to win a 14th French Open title.

Nadal came into the match as a heavy favourite against the inexperienced Norwegian.

And he absolutely lived up to his billing with a typically powerful display.

Nadal early in the first set before going a break down for 3-1 Ruud early in the second.

But Nadal responded immediately to steamroll the 23-year-old as the match wore on.

The Spaniard won the last 11 games from that point to cruise to a 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 win and a 22nd Grand Slam title.

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Former world number one Mats Wilander told Eurosport: “We are witnessing sports history with Rafael Nadal.

“We thought it before, and now even more so.

“John McEnroe said he will never be beaten [at Roland Garros].

“And no, this record [of 14 titles] will never be beaten at a Grand Slam.

“Will this record be beaten in any sporting event that’s annual?

“That’s the question.”

Former world number four Tim Henman added: “It was an absolutely phenomenal performance from Nadal.

“He was relentless, ruthless and a very worthy champion.”

Ruud will come away from the tournament with a career-high ranking of world number six.