Sport | Tennis
Rafael Nadal wins French Open
Rafael Nadal produced a flawless exhibition of claycourt tennis to demolish world number one Roger Federer 6-1 6-3 6-0 on Sunday and win his fourth straight French Open title.
- Reuters
- Published: 19:13 June 8, 2008
Paris: Rafael Nadal produced a flawless exhibition of claycourt tennis to demolish world number one Roger Federer 6-1 6-3 6-0 on Sunday and win his fourth straight French Open title.
The Spaniard was at his relentless best as he tore Federer apart in one hour 48 minutes to deny the Swiss a career grand slam and equal Bjorn Borg's feat of four consecutive titles at Roland Garros.
Federer, beaten in the final by Nadal in the two previous years, had promised to attack but made too many errors early on as Nadal ripped through the first set.
The Swiss raised himself in the second set and had a break point at 3-3 but Nadal slammed the door shut and crushed a hapless Federer in the third to clinch the title without losing a set.
Wimbeldon: 'I'm still favourite'
Roger Federer said his third consecutive French Open final defeat to Rafael Nadal would not affect his hopes of a record sixth straight Wimbledon title.
"I still definitely feel very strong about my chances and being the big favourite going into grass," said Federer, who will start his grasscourt season at the Halle tournament which begins today.
"It's so far away, grass and clay, that losing in four or five [sets] or no chance like today, I don't think it has a big effect on me mentally."
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