The King reigns again

The King of Clay Courts, Rafael Nadal, won his fourth consecutive French Open Men's Singles Final, equalling the similar record held by Bjorn Borg when he won in 1978-1981. Probably the best clay court specialist ever, Nadal, who just turned 22 at the start of this year's French Open, beat Roger Federer 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. The score betrayed the fact that Roger Federer is currently the no. 1-ranked player. More astonishing is the fact that it was the third consecutive victory of Rafael Nadal over Roger Federer at the French Open Men's Singles final. The French Open title remains the one that Roger Federer has not won to complete his Grand Slam collection; he has won twelve Grand Slam singles titles (three Australian Open, five Wimbledon, four US Open).

The match was one of the rarest matches that involved Roger Federer losing a set by 6-0; the last time that happened was at Queens in 1999. Nadal could not have started the game better. Federer provided some resistance in the second set, with some flashes of brilliance thrown in. Alas, he lost the second set before surrendering the third set completely.

Being only 22, this year's Men Single's may not be Nadal's last. He will probably surpass Bjorn Borg's record of winning a total of six French Open titles. (In 1968, the French Championship become an Open tournament; pre-1968, a Max Decugis won 8 Men's Single titles). However, the French Open remains the one Grand Slam title that he has won. He lost the last two Wimbledon Men's Singles Finals to, who else but, Roger Federer! Lets hope Nadal goes the whole distance this year!