Ruthless Rafael Nadal thrashes Casper Ruud to win 14th French Open crown, clinches 22nd Grand Slam title

Rafael Nadal was absolutely unstoppable as he thrashed Norway's Casper Ruud in straights sets to win the French Open 2022 men's singles final in Paris on Sunday (June 05). Nadal has now won the French Open crown a record 14 times, a feat which has not been achieved by any male or female player in tennis history. He has also clinched a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title further enhancing his lead over arch-rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are both tied on 20 Grand Slams each.

Nadal was an overwhelming favourite heading into the summit clash against 23-year-old Ruud, who he had mentored during his early days at the famous Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain. Rudd had admitted ahead of the final that he almost lost each time he came up against the Spaniard during practice matches at the academy.

It was nothing different at theCourt Philippe Chatrier in Paris on Sunday as Nadal once again proved why he remains the King of Clay. Nadal extended his flawless record in the French Open finals to 14-0. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has never lost in a final at the Roland Garros throughout his illustrious career.

He has come up against some of the best in the business with the likes of Djokovic, Federer and Stan Wawrinka among others trying to stop him in a French Open final. However, the Spaniard has managed to outclass them all to create an unparalleled legacy at the Roland Garros.

All hail the King #RolandGarros | @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/jIOvOirGgN — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2022

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Ahead of the much-awaited final, Nadal had no second thoughts in his mind when he was asked if he would give up a potential 22nd Grand Slam title for a new foot. The Spaniard, who has been dealing with a chronic injury in his left foot for quite a while now, said he would 'prefer to lose the final' against Ruud for a new foot as it would keep him happy for the rest of his life.

Despite battling a serious injury and in the final lap of his career, Nadal remains a force to reckon with on clay courts and has now become the oldest men's champion in French Open history by winning the title at the age of 36. 14 out of his 22 Grand Slams have come at the Roland Garros, showcasing his incredible dominance at the tournament.

The stage is yours again, @RafaelNadal#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Nhp3e6wrwV — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2022

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Nadal dominated the proccedings from the word go in the final against Ruud and clinched the first set 6-3 inside 51 minutes before taking second set 6-3. He was trailing 3-1 in the second set after double faulting on break point but was quick to bounce back and get the better of Ruud, who was clearly struggling to battle his nerves in his very first meeting with Nadal so far in his career.

Ruud, the first man from his country to reach a Grand Slam final, was a no match for the tenacity of the Spaniard, who has known and dominated the competition so well over the years. Nadal was 19 when he won his first title at the Roland Garros in 2005 and 17 years later, he still remains untouchable in the competition.

In what is a testament to his longevity, Nadal has not only shown he can still be one of the best in the world despite carrying a serious niggle, but has also achieved several feats on his way to his 22nd Grand Slam title. 2022 is the firt time Nadal has won the Australian Open and French Open in the same year.