Rafael Nadal defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 to win a the 2022 French Open and 22nd Grand Slam title on Monday.
The 36-year-old since Friday, yet hampered by pain in his left foot, has become the oldest winner in history on court clay.
Nadal holds the record for the most victories at Roland-Garros with 14 titles in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.
“For me. It’s hard to describe the feelings I have. I would not believe I would be here at 36. It means a lot, it means a lot of energy to keep going. I just want to say, thank you Paris.” Nadal said.
“I don’t know what can happen in the future but I am going to keep fighting to try to keep going.” Nadal added.
Nadal has been suffering from a chronic foot injury and there have been rumours about an imminent retirement, but he hopes to carry on.
According to the Spanish daily Marca, Nadal intends to take a longer break following the French Open and will miss Wimbledon.
However, Nadal sent his Public Relations director Benito Perez-Barbadillo, to take a strong move to deny the rumours.
“That information from Marca is untrue. I spoke to that reporter yesterday after the press conference. They had to take the article down immediately.” Nadal said.
Wimbledon will take place from June 27 to July 10 in England. This year the event won’t count players bonus points, butit’s still a place where every player wants to lift the trophy.
If Nadal continues to win Wimbledon, he has a chance to reach a record of winning all 4 Grand Slams in a calendar year if he wins the US Open at the end of the year.
