Rafael Nadal reclaimed his crown as the king of clay with a dominant victory over Casper Ruud to claim an incredible 14th French Open.
Nadal is two days past his 36th birthday and suffering with a chronic foot problem which has prompted rumours of retirement, but he was way too strong for first-time finalist Ruud and destroyed the Norwegian eighth seed 6-3, 6-3, 6-0.
It was Nadal's 22nd Grand Slam victory to take him two ahead of great rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, and he was full of emotion on court after the victory, offering no indication it was time to quit.
"I don't know what can happen in the future, but I'm going to keep fighting to try to keep going," said the Spaniard.
"For me, it's incredible to play here. It's an incredible feeling.
"First of all, Casper, it's a real pleasure to play with you a final here in Roland Garros. You are great. I want to congratulate you for an amazing career you are having.
"Especially these two weeks, I think it is a very important step forward. I am very, very happy for you and your family and your team. I wish you all the very best for the future.
"I have to follow with my team, my family, everybody. It is completely amazing, the things that are happening this year.
"I can thank you very, very much for all the things you are doing with me and did over all of the years. Without you none of this would be possible."
King in his castle
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