By John Bagratuni
Tribune News Service
PARIS — King of clay Rafael Nadal became the first tennis player to win one Grand Slam a dozen times when he beat Dominic Thiem 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1, in the French Open final Sunday.
Nadal threw himself to the ground in delight and seemed to shed a few tears after claiming victory in an at times sensational battle after 3 hours and 1 minute to move one win ahead of Margaret Court, who won 11 Australian Opens between 1960 and 1973.
The 33-year-old paved the way to victory by winning 16 of the 17 first points of the third set against Thiem, who beat Nadal recently in Barcelona but went down in Paris just as in last year’s decider and now trails 9-4 overall in their series.
Nadal’s first Roland Garros title was in 2005 and his astonishing match record at the tournament now stands at 93-2 as he received the trophy from Australian legend Rod Laver.
The second-ranked Spaniard claimed his 82nd career title, 18 of those at the majors, just two shy of the record 20 won by Roger Federer whom he beat in the semifinals.
Nadal’s Paris titles came in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
“It’s a dream. To play for the first time in 2005 —never thought in 2019 I’d still be here. It’s an incredible moment and very special for me,” Nadal said.
Thiem said: “He played outstanding, because especially in the first two sets I played very good tennis. What he was performing I think is unbelievable.
“There has to be a reason why he’s that successful. He won 18 Grand Slams, which is a big number, which is only two less than Roger. So definitely he’s one of the greatest of all time. Today, as well, I saw why.”
Thiem beat world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in a five-set semifinal, which ended Saturday, but he was unable to find an answer to Nadal’s power and accuracy on an overcast afternoon on Court Philippe Chatrier packed to its 15,000 capacity.
Powerful baseline rallies characterized the match from the outset, with the leftie Nadal earning the first point after a long rally with a forehand winner.
Thiem, who at times tried to lure Nadal to the net, drew first blood with a break for 3-2 thanks to a forehand winner and a smash but that only motivated the history-chasing Nadal even more.
Nadal broke back instantly, then survived a 10-minute service game after which he changed his soaked fluorescent green shirt, and also booked the next two games for a total of four to go one set up when Thiem hit a backhand wide.
Thiem would have been excused had his level dropped, but instead he just matched Nadal again stroke by stroke and locked the sets with the first break point in the second, Nadal hitting a forehand long.
Nadal took a bathroom break and came back with a vengeance, allowing Thiem just two more games in the match.
He dropped just one point en route to a 4-0 lead —already celebrating after the third game with a big fist pump amid “Rafa, Rafa” chants from the fans. And the set was his three games later when Thiem netted a backhand.
“He was coming out in the third set like a rocket. Full power,” Thiem conceded.
Nadal said: “The first set was so intense, with amazing points. After the second I went to the bathroom and was able to think and come back with clear ideas.”
Nadal was in full control now and 3-0 up in the fourth after fighting off two break points in the third game.
And although he survived another three break points in the fourth game there was no coming back for Thiem as Nadal wrapped up matters in the seventh game on second match point when Thiem’s return sailed long.
Despite the lopsided final sets, not much separated them, with Thiem on 31 winners and 38 errors, and Nadal on 38 winners and 31 errors.
“I failed today, but my goal and my dream is still to win this tournament or to win a Grand Slam tournament. I will try my best next year again,” Thiem said.
