Novak Djokovic, one of the three modern greats, was robotic, jerky, restricted in the epic quarter-final they played this week. Nadal and Roland Garros go together like gin and tonic, light and bitter, cheese and onion, and he has made some fine players look ordinary on that court. In Rafa Nadal’s case, it’s the extension of his dominance of this tournament, a command that no man - or woman - has matched. You will usually play some long rallies, but I like it. I like the fight, the hustle, and just everything about the clay. “For me, I don’t know what to say, I just feel a little bit more comfortable on it, moving around and, in a way, it just kind of suits my game better. He has played so many finals, but at least he’s playing a student from his academy this time. To finally play him in a Grand Slam final will be a special moment for me. I guess this is perfect timing and it was worth the wait. He’s the last player of the ‘Big Three’ and the very, very top players in the world I have never faced. Some quotes from the official Roland Garros site, including mention of his expertise on clay, on which surface he’s won seven titles, which makes him the most on-form player on that surface.

I don’t know what can happen in the future but I am going to keep fighting to try to keep going, so thank you!Ĭasper Ruud actually trained at Nadal’s tennis academy - like watching David Beckham play competitively against Bobby Charlton - and now he faces his idol. For me personally it is very tough to describe the feelings that I have, it’s something I never believed I would be here at 36 being competitive, one more final. Without you none of this would be possible. I can thank you very very much for all the things you are doing with me and did over all of the years. It is completely amazing, the things that are happening this year. I have to follow with my team, my family, everybody. I wish you all the very best for the future. I am very very happy for you and your family and your team. I want to congatulate you for an amazing career you are having.Įspecially these two weeks, I think it is a very important step forward. First of all, Casper, it’s a real pleasure to play with you a final here in Roland Garros.

Rafa Nadal speaks, and breaking news, there’s no announcement of his retirement.

French open final live score