RG Diary Sunday June 5

 

Originally published on: 05/06/11 19:33

History was made on the final day at Roland Garros as Rafael Nadal defeated Roger Federer 7-5 7-6(3) 5-7 6-1 to win his sixth French Open crown and retain the world No.1 ranking.

Nadal becomes the second man in history to win six titles in Pairs – along with Bjorn Borg, who achieved the same feat between 1974 and 1981.

“It’s very special to equal the six French Opens of Bjorn Borg – it’s an honour to be compared to Borg,” said the 25-year-old.

“But the most important thing is to win Roland Garros.”

In beating Federer for his 10th Grand Slam title, Rafa also extended his career head-to-head lead over the Swiss to 17-8.

Had Nadal lost, Novak Djokovic would have grabbed the top spot from him – which had looked a surefire bet until the semi-finals, when Federer ended Djokovic’s 41-match winning streak in 2011 to reach his first Grand Slam final since beating Andy Murray at the 2010 Australian Open.

It was the culmination of a fabulous 15 days at Roland Garros and with play suspended only briefly, the final day was not spoiled by expected rain. Jim Courier, twice winner of the title in 1991 and 1992 was on hand to present a jubilant Rafa with the trophy.

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here