Rafael Nadal needed only three sets to beat compatriot David Ferrer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 and take his eighth French Open title on the red court of Philippe Chatrier on Sunday.
The 27-year old Nadal improved his Grand Slam haul to 12, moving him five major titles behind the 17 Grand Slam trophies of Roger Federer.
The victory served as a statement that Nadal is still at the peak of his game despite undergoing a career-threatening knee injury last year.
On the other hand, Ferrer suffered his 20th career loss at the hands of Nadal. Nevertheless, Ferrer is expected to gain some ground in the ATP ranking after reaching the first Grand Slam final of his career.
Nadal fired five aces and won 70 percent of his first serves with 25 unforced errors. Ferrer, on the other hand, aced just once and won 62 percent of his first serves with 35 unforced errors.
The French Open men's single championship game also experienced a scary moment after a man got a torch onto the court and set it on fire.
According to the commentators, the protestors are members of a political group that promotes about children's rights and welfare.
Several men rushed to the court to make sure Nadal and Ferrer were safe. Nevertheless, the situation returned to normal right away as both finals participants resumed their match.
Nadal, who received his 8th Musketeers Trophy from Jamaican and six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt, could be on his way back to the top of the ATP rankings after winning his 8th trophy since returning from a long layoff.
Next for Nadal is the upcoming Wimbledon Championships, where he won twice in 2008 and 2010. The Spaniard already pulled out of Gary Webber Open due to fatigue but he's expected to compete in a warm-up event a week before the Grand Slam tourney.
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