Rafael Nadal wins 2008 French Open

It was a record breaking day for Spain’s Rafael Nadal at Rolland Garos yesterday, as the ‘King of Clay’ claimed his fourth consecutive French Open title by handing Roger Federer one of the heaviest defeats of his career.

Nadal required only three sets to eliminate the world number one and join Bjorn Borg as the only men’s singles player to have won four titles in Paris. Nadal scored the final point of the match without fanfare, jogging to the net to shake his devastated opponent’s hand.

"Today it was tough for Roger, I think, and I have to be respectful with one very good guy," Nadal said. "I have very good relationship with him, no? . . . . I mean, given the way things occurred and given the relationship I have to Roger, I just didn't want to celebrate too much."

Federer’s 6-1, 6-3, 6-0 loss is the worst ever by a world number one in a grand slam final, and the worst loss in any grand slam final for over 20 years. Fans will now be eager to see if Nadal can carry his imperious form over to the lawn courts of the Open Championship at Wimbledon.