Rafa Nadal's beautiful moment with wife after French Open triumph
Rafael Nadal has shared a beautiful moment with his family after winning the French Open for his 20th career grand slam title.
Nadal wiped Novak Djokovic off the court in Sunday’s final, beating the World No.1 6-0 6-2 7-5.
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The Spaniard was overjoyed after the final point, rushing into the stands to celebrate with his wife, parents and sister.
Nadal was greeted with a huge hug from his family, before planting a kiss on wife Xisca.
It was the first time all tournament that Xisca had been spotted in the stands, with fans gushing over her beautiful celebration with Rafa.
Djokovic’s wife Jelena even paid tribute to Nadal and his family in a classy display.
Love and respect for wonderful Nadal family. What an amazing achievement 🙌👏🙏 Congratulations to @RafaelNadal family, team and all the fans 👏👏👏 #RolandGarros champion
— Jelena Djokovic (@jelenadjokovic) October 11, 2020
Rafa hugging his family. Including Mom, Sista, n Of course his wife xisca 🙌🏻😍 pic.twitter.com/tPoSxM6AF1
— Nida (@NidzXx) October 11, 2020
Nadal's wife is so pretty omg
— Inês (@jamalas1994) October 11, 2020
@PseudoFed have you realized that Rafa's wife is called Mery and Nadal in Catalan means Christmas. What a wonderful combination.
— Chris Banks (@chrisdbanks) October 11, 2020
how can we not love them @RafaelNadal @Charlymoya Thank You Lord for blessing us with the Nadal family
— Natalie Smith (@missbasson) October 11, 2020
Team and family part1 😍 #Nadal pic.twitter.com/vk5tpJpVZw
— sabrine (@sabrine931) October 11, 2020
I'm crying too. Many congrats @RafaelNadal @rnadalacademy & all your amazing team & beautiful family. Thank you for all ! This victory erases this strange year ! Lots of ups & downs but today you give me back the strength, la grinta to go forward. #Gracias #RG20 #nadal #tennis ♥️ pic.twitter.com/6C3Ot5Xwsn
— siivart (@siivart) October 11, 2020
Nadal equals Federer record with 20th major
Nadal demolished Djokovic to win his 13th French Open and equal the all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles held by Roger Federer.
For World No.1 Djokovic, the defeat ended his hopes of an 18th Slam and of becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four majors twice.
Nadal, 34, claimed his 100th match win at Roland Garros against just two defeats since his 2005 debut.
The Spaniard, the oldest champion in Paris since Andres Gimeno in 1972, claimed the title without dropping a set.
He finished the one-sided affair with just 14 unforced errors to his opponent's 52.
“Congrats to Novak for another great tournament. Sorry for today. We've played plenty of times together - one day one wins, another the other,” said Nadal.
“After all the things I have been through in my career with injuries, I could not have done it without my family.”
Nadal said he wasn't even thinking about matching Federer's record.
“It's been a very tough year. Winning here means everything to me so it's not about equalling Roger on 20, for me today it's just a Roland Garros victory,” said Nadal.
“Roland Garros means everything to me. I spent most of the most important moments of my tennis career here.
“Just playing here is a true inspiration. The love story I have with this court and city is unbelievable.”
For Djokovic, it was just his second loss of 2020 - the other being his default at the US Open.
“Today, Rafa showed why you are the king of clay. I was out-played by a better player,” he said.
Federer was quick to hail Nadal, his long-time rival and close friend.
“It is a true honour for me to congratulate Rafa on his 20th Grand Slam victory,” said the Swiss star who missed the tournament to recover from knee surgery.
“It is especially amazing that he has won Roland Garros an incredible 13 times which is one of the greatest achievements in sport.
“I hope the 20 is just another step on the continuing journey for both of us.”
with agencies
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