After two very intense weeks on the hot, red clay of Roland Garros in Paris, it came down to the world's best two players; Eight time champ, and reigning No. 1, Rafael Nadal, and purpose-driven, and hard charging No. 2, Novak Djokovic.
Left-handed Nadal was the most decorated player in French Open history going into the match on Sunday, and nothing about that changed, as he improved his incredible record at Roland Garros to 66-1 all-time in a brutal test against Djokovic. Nadal took the match 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4.
Nadal added the 14th slam to his trophy case, and prevented Djokovic from joining the career grand slam winner's club in the process.
As things got started, Djokovic won the first set and looked to be in control at the beginning of the match. However, the combination of Nadal's conditioning, and the heat, and pressure on the court, started to take its toll.
Both players used ice-filled towels to cool themselves during changeovers, but according to Fox News, Djokovic also looked like he vomited a bit as he was heading for the first changeover in the fourth set.
Both men poured water on themselves to cool off at different points during the match.
Nadal was broken once in the first set, and once again in the second. But for the most part, you could see that he was in his "favorite place in the world to play". He is now the only player to have won the French Open nine times.
He ended up breaking Djokovic to win the second, third, and fourth sets.
On the final point, Djokovic double faulted, and Nadal dropped to his knees in joy before shaking hands with Djokovic and then climbing into the crowd to celebrate. Nadal will retain his place at the top of the rankings with the victory.
Djokovic had beaten Nadal in their previous six meetings, even on clay in Rome earlier this year.
Djokovic has won 6 slam titles himself, and lacks the French Open to complete the Grand Slam.
With the win, Nadal joins Pete Sampras as second on the all time list with 14 majors. Only Roger Federer with 17 has more.
Click here to watch the French Open highlight video of Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic.
