Rafael Nadal crushes Casper Ruud to claim 14th French Open but warns his career is on the line
Nadal wins 11 games in a row to seal victory at Roland Garros
Ruud is outclassed by man whose academy he trains at
Nadal moves two majors clear of great rivals Federer and Djokovic
Nadal reveals the 'extreme' treatment needed to combat career-threatening foot injury
There was a bittersweet feeling in the Parisian air as Rafael Nadal surged inexorably to his 14th French Open title, but then admitted that his entire career now hangs in the balance.
Nadal finished his Roland Garros campaign in near invincible style, completing a 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 thrashing of Casper Ruud in just 2hr 18min.
But while his tennis is as good as ever, he is increasingly concerned about the degeneration in his right foot, where he suffers from Muller-Weiss Syndrome – a loss of blood flow to the navicular bone.
This condition could potentially force him into an early retirement, if he cannot find a medical solution. Even worse, it could restrict his later life and keep him from enjoying recreational sports such as golf or sailing.
Nadal has said all week that this could potentially be his final appearance at Roland Garros – the tournament he has dominated to an unprecedented degree. And if this does prove to be the last time we see him here, it was at least a fine way to go out.
Playing for his 14th French Open title, Nadal outclassed Ruud in the same manner that he had overcome the majority of his 111 previous victims at this event: decisively, routinely, and in straight sets.
Perhaps Nadal wasn’t at his absolute peak in the early stages, but the statistics still show that he hit 37 winners to 18 unforced errors – the sort of display that any ordinary mortal would consider a career-best. Certainly Ruud was rendered powerless, despite the many fans calling his name throughout.
Just as England cricket supporters shout “Roooot”, so the Roland Garros faithful yelled “Ruuuud” in the hope of inspiring this first-time finalist to make a match of it.
But Nadal kept the challenger at bay through his time-honoured tactic of looping the ball deep with heavy top-spin. His forehand generally passed over the net at John Isner height, then kicked up towards Ruud’s shoulders after the bounce.
A small number of tennis geniuses – I’m thinking mainly of an in-form Novak Djokovic here – are gifted enough to step in and take Nadal’s spitting groundstrokes on the rise.
Ruud showed neither the ambition nor the ability to do that, and thus spent much of the afternoon hitting hopeful backhands from yards behind his own baseline. The geometry of the court was always against him, because you can’t inflict much damage on Nadal from there.
It probably didn’t help Ruud that he trains at Nadal’s academy in Mallorca, and that these two men know each other’s games inside-out after numerous practice sets on a variety of surfaces.
Like Saturday’s women’s final involving Iga Swiatek, this match offered plenty of fine shot-making but few twists and turns in the storyline. Even when Nadal dipped, losing a service game in each of the first two sets, the sense of jeopardy was limited. As with a Marvel superhero, or James Bond in days of yore, you always expected him to pull through any local difficulties.
On this front, it was vintage Nadal, recollecting some of the one-sided finals he has contested on Court Philippe Chatrier over the years. Seven of those victories have come up in straight sets, and the rest in four; remarkably, he has never been taken to a decider in the trophy match.
In the end, it was a backhand punch up the line that carried Nadal to his 22nd major title – two ahead of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in joint second place – while leaving his family in tears of joy. So it is that the king of clay rules for at least one more year.
Roland Garros had been rife with rumours before the match, especially surrounding the fact that Federer had been pictured in Paris. Could Federer be preparing to present the trophy to his greatest rival, as part of a choreographed retirement ceremony?
So it was that the only truly suspenseful moment of the afternoon came when Nadal took the microphone at the post-match presentation. He started in traditional style, paying tribute to his vanquished opponent and then thanking his team. He even admitted that “without you” – his friends and family – “I would have been retired much before.”
At this point, the 15,000 fans on Court Philippe Chatrier leant forward in their seats, in an atmosphere of sudden expectation. Was Nadal about to bring down the curtain? No; instead he said he would be “fighting to keep going”, but left open the question of how he hoped to do that.
It was only in the interview room afterwards that Nadal explained the gory details. He plans to undergo a radiofrequency nerve ablation in the next few days, to permanently muffle the pain from his damaged foot.
If that doesn’t work, the next step is “a major surgery that don't guarantee me to be able to be competitive again and it's gonna take a long time to be back”.
And why is he so determined to put himself through such an ordeal? “To give myself a chance to keep doing what I like to do,” he replied. “I like to play tennis.”
Rafael Nadal vs Casper Ruud, as it happened:
04:26 PM
That's all folks
Thanks for joining us for a wonderful two weeks of tennis. We now make a quick transition from clay to grass in the build up to Wimbledon, which begins on June 27.
Stay with Telegraph Sport for all the best coverage.
04:19 PM
Will Nadal be at Wimbledon?
That's a question which still needs to be answered. If Nadal is struggling with a foot problem, can it be fixed before the grass court grand slam?
04:15 PM
French Open winner and runner-up
04:13 PM
Significant quotes from Nadal to Eurosport
I played with no feeling in the foot. I played with an injection on the nerve...so the foot was asleep, so that's why I was able to play.
04:01 PM
More from Nadal
I want to continue saying thank you to everybody who make possible this event.
For me and I think for a lot of people who love the history of this sport it is the best tournament of the world so thank you everybody who make possible this great event. You make me feel like home.
It means everytrhing to me. It means a lot of energy to try to keep going. I just want to say merci, merci beaucoup.
03:57 PM
Nadal reacts
I never believed I'd be here at 36, being competitive again, playing in the most important court of my career one more time.
I don't know what can happen in the future but I am going to keep fighting to try to keep going.
03:55 PM
Your men's champion
03:52 PM
More from Ruud
To my own team, everyone involved, it has been a long road already. Even though I am young I have a big team around me. It is a road that is impossible without the help of everyone.
To the city of Paris, the people who came, it has been unbelievable and quite an experience for me to play in front of over 10,000 people in the final. It has been two difficult years for everyone around the world with Covid so to see it full is inspiring again.
You have been very nice to me all two weeks, so thank you. It gives me motivation to come back and hopefully next year I can learn some French, if it's possible, it's not easy but I will try.
03:48 PM
Ruud reacts
First and most important thing is to congratulate Rafa. It's your 14th time, 22nd all around in Grand Slams. We all know what a champion you are.
I got to feel how it is to play you in the final and it's not easy. But I'm not the first victim.
03:44 PM
Trophy presentation
Billie-Jean King, a 12-time Grand Slam singles champion and French Open winner in 1972, will present the titles.
03:41 PM
All time men's grand slam titles
Rafael Nadal - 22
Roger Federer - 20
Novak Djokovic- 20
Pete Sampras - 14
Roy Emerson - 12
03:35 PM
'One of the finest records in the book'
Pete Sampras' 14th and final major title was deemed a feat for the ages. Now, 20 years on, Rafael Nadal has just won 14 *at the same tournament*.
One of the finest records in the book – across any sport.— Oliver Brown (@oliverbrown_tel) June 5, 2022
03:32 PM
Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Come on Ruud, make Nadal serve for it.
Ruud forehand long, 0-15. Nadal backhand winner down the line, 0-30. Nadal nets a forehand, 15-30. Nadal backhand winner, 15-40. This has been a ball striking clinic.
Ruud saves the first when Nadal puts a return long.
GAME>SET>MATCH NADAL.
Nadal wins with a backhand winner down the line. French Open No 14. Grand Slam No 22.
The greatest ever?
03:26 PM
Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 5-0 Ruud (*denotes server)
Umpteenth backhand winner by Nadal, 15-0. Nadal nets a backhand, 30-15. A very rare error from him.
Nadal serve and volley winner, 40-15. Ruud forehand long and Nadal is a game away from history.
TEN games in a row for Nadal.
03:21 PM
Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 4-0 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Big backhand down the line by Nadal and Ruud nets, 0-15. Relentless from Nadal as he hits another backhand winner, 0-30.
World class from Nadal as he hits another backhand winner, three set points. Ruud nets a backhand volley.
NINE games in a row for Nadal.
03:17 PM
Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 3-0 Ruud (*denotes server)
Good hustle by Ruud to come up with a great backhand pass, 15-30. Nobody better at turning defence into attack and Nadal does it again to steal the point from Ruud with a forehand winner, 30-30.
Nadal with a trademark forehand into the corner, 40-30. Ruud drop shot into the net. Nadal holds.
EIGHT games in a row for Nadal.
03:12 PM
Nadal 6-3, 6-3, 2-0 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Must hold service game for Ruud.
Nadal backhand winner down the line, 0-15. Nadal backhand long, 30-15. Ruud's forehand on the run is just long, 30-30.
Nadal forehand winner, break point. Too good by Nadal as he ties up Ruud on his backhand side and flicks a backhand winner into the open court to break.
SEVEN games in a row now.
03:05 PM
Third Set: Nadal* 6-3, 6-3, 1-0 Ruud (*denotes server)
Nadal volley winner to start the game, 15-0. Ruud backhand return into the net, 40-15.
Nadal just five games from history as he holds when Ruud's forehand is wide.
03:02 PM
Doesn't look good for Ruud...
After going up 2 sets to 0, Rafael Nadal is:
- 12-0 in major finals (8-0 at French Open)
- 33-0 in major semifinals/finals
- 91-0 at the French Open
- 236-2 at all majors pic.twitter.com/Imp98Sxpjb— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 5, 2022
02:55 PM
Nadal 6-3, 6-3 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Nadal could have let Ruud's backhand go wide but he's full of confidence at the moment and puts away a backhand volley, 15-15.
Ruud glances to his player box after another backhand miss, 15-30. Nadal turns defence into attack again and whips a forehand winner into the corner, 15-40. Two set points.
Ruud saves the first when Nadal's return is long. And the second when Nadal's backhand slice drifts wide, deuce.
Ruud forehand error, third set point. Nadal backhand into the net after a series of Ruud forehands.
Nadal forehand down the line winner, fourth set point. Ruud double fault. Oh dear. That was clearly the pressure.
You would think Nadal won't lose from here...
02:46 PM
Nadal* 6-3, 5-3 Ruud (*denotes server)
Ideal game by Nadal as he holds to love and stamps his authority on the set.
Four games in a row now.
02:42 PM
Nadal 6-3, 4-3 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Too good from Nadal, first with a forehand up the line then an angled cross court backhand winner, 15-0.
Excellent wide serve by Ruud is unreturned by Nadal. Ruud forehand error. Massive point coming up.
Ruud takes the initiative, keeps his nerve on the overhead and wins the point, 40-30. Backhand by Ruud clips the net cord and flies long, deuce.
Nadal forehand winner, break point. Vintage shot. Lob by Ruud is out and Nadal breaks.
02:35 PM
Nadal* 6-3, 3-3 Ruud (*denotes server)
Brilliant cross court pass by Nadal, 15-0. Nadal drags Ruud wide with his serve and hits a subtle drop shot, 30-0.
Ruud drop shot is good but Nadal reads it and nudges a backhand up the line, 40-0. Love hold for Nadal when Ruud nets a backhand return. Important game for Ruud now.
02:31 PM
Nadal 6-3, 2-3 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Fabulous by Ruud to turn defence into attack with a forehand down the line and he finishes with a forehand winner, 15-15.
Ruud backhand long, 15-30. Ruud forehand long, 30-40. Nadal breaks straight back as Ruud opts to run around his backhand and when Nadal fires into the open space, the Norwegian can't get the ball back in play.
This match hasn't been of the highest quality.
02:25 PM
Nadal* 6-3, 1-3 Ruud (*denotes server)
Nadal nets a half volley after Ruud's return down low at his feet, 0-30. Brilliant from Ruud, a clever slice and Nadal nets a backhand, 0-40. Three break points.
Nadal double fault. Wow. Bizarre game by Nadal.
02:20 PM
Nadal 6-3, 1-2 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Nadal steps in and cracks a forehand winner into the corner, 15-15. Ruud forehand winner, one of his best of the match, 15-15.
Rarely serve and volley from Ruud and he holds with a backhand volley winner. Nice change of tactic.
02:16 PM
Nadal* 6-3, 1-1 Ruud (*denotes server)
Ruud is heavy handed with his backhand volley and Nadal punishes him by racing forward to put away a backhand winner, 30-0.
Nadal backhand winner, 40-0. Stunning response by Ruud to a very good drop shot by Nadal by angling his shot into the corner, 40-15.
Nadal forehand winner to hold.
02:12 PM
Second Set: Nadal 6-3, 0-1 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Problems for Ruud as he slips to 0-30 with a couple of errors. Ruud forehand down the line goes long, 15-40. Three forehand mistakes by him.
Ruud saves the first when Nadal nets a backhand overhead. And the second when Nadal inexplicably puts a forehand just wide. Ruud very lucky not to have been broken.
Ruud backhand wide, third break point. Well done Ruud. A better forehand and Nadal can't get the ball back in play.
Credit where credit is due Ruud finally manages to hold.
02:03 PM
Nadal* 6-3 Ruud (*denotes server)
Serving for the set, Nadal puts a backhand into the tramlines, 15-15. Brilliant by Ruud as he whips a forehand down the line for a winner, 15-30. Timely first serve by Nadal and Ruud can't get his return back in play.
Another return error by Ruud gives Nadal a set point. And Nadal takes the set when Ruud's return flies long.
01:56 PM
Nadal 5-3 Ruud* (*denotes server)
A series of excellent forehands by Ruud and he finishes with a forehand winner, 30-0. Nadal with a soft touch backhand volley winner, 30-15.
Ruud responds with a backhand volley winner of his own, 40-15. And holds to force Nadal to close out the set.
01:51 PM
Nadal* 5-2 Ruud (*denotes server)
Ruthless tennis by Nadal as he races to 40-0 with a forehand down the line winner. A couple of loose errors by Nadal keeps Ruud in the game at 40-30.
But Nadal holds after a cat and mouse rally ends with a backhand down the line winner.
01:45 PM
Nadal 4-2 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Much better drop shot by Ruud with Nadal very deep behind the baseline, 30-15. Nadal bullies Ruud with his forehand, 30-30. Nadal backhand down the line is just wide.
Ruud holds.
01:40 PM
Nadal* 4-1 Ruud (*denotes server)
Better from Nadal as he gets Ruud on the run and gets the error, 30-0. Poor drop shot by Ruud and Nadal punishes him with a forehand up the line, 40-0.
Great backhand up the line by Ruud and he finishes with a drive forehand winner, 40-15. Ruud backhand return long and Nadal consolidates the break.
01:36 PM
Nadal 3-1 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Ruud closes the net well and whips a forehand into the corner, 15-15. Wild forehand by Ruud flies long, 15-30.
A gift for Ruud as Nadal nets a forehand, 30-30. Ruud forehand winner, he'll need plenty of those today, 40-30.
Nadal backhand flies well long, deuce. Ruud tries to take the ball on the rise but misjudges it as his forehand goes long, break point.
Ruud completely mishits a forehand and Nadal breaks. Bad game by Ruud. A game he lost rather than Nadal won.
01:29 PM
Nadal* 2-1 Ruud (*denotes server)
Nadal double fault, just his 14th of the tournament, 15-30. Small chance for Ruud.
Another double fault by Nadal. Wow. Two break points. Ruud misses with a forehand on the first.
Nadal forehand into the net and the Norwegian breaks back. That was very unexpected.
01:23 PM
Nadal 2-0 Ruud* (*denotes server)
Nadal with a deft backhand volley winner after drilling a backhand up the line, 15-15. Ruud has the advantage in the rally but Nadal turns defence into attack to steal the point, 15-30.
Nadal overhead winner, two break points. Ruud saves the first with a forehand winner. Ruud hits an approach with his forehand but Nadal whips a vintage forehand pass beyond the Norwegian to break.
01:17 PM
First Set: Rafael Nadal* 1-0 Casper Ruud (*denotes server)
Opening point goes to Nadal after Ruud attempts to hit a forehand but the ball hits the frame and deflects behind him.
First point for Ruud after a Nadal forehand flies long, 30-15. Ruud is standing very far behind his baseline already as Nadal pushes him back. Ruud backhand into the net and Nadal holds comfortably.
01:11 PM
Here we go...
... Nadal won the toss and will serve first.
James Keothavong, brother of Anne, is the chair umpire.
01:08 PM
One of the great introductions in sport
nothing but respectful for my national anthem pic.twitter.com/EvBGHN2xt4
— rey (@reysephone) May 23, 2022
01:03 PM
Here come the players...
... Nadal and Ruud walk onto Philippe Chatrier to warm ovations from the crowd. The final is moments away.
01:01 PM
On this day in 2016
Andy Murray suffered his eighth grand slam final defeat as Novak Djokovic won his first French Open title after a 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 victory.
12:46 PM
'There’s no pressure on Casper' - Seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander
If I was Casper I would most probably look at Rafa’s birth certificate, he’s played a few tough matches, just turned 36 years old, there’s no pressure on Casper, and I think Casper is going to play risky and step into the court.
If he needs a Plan B then he should be thinking about turning it into a Norwegian cross country race in skiing and try and make the match go forever. That would be my plan if I was Casper, but of course we know Rafa has won 13 times.
12:35 PM
'Rafa will know it is going to be a long match' - Eurosport tennis expert Alex Corretja
If I am Rafa I am going to try and open up into Casper’s forehand because then he can find his backhand. If I am Rafa I would stay far back and on the return give a little bit of height. Rafa will know it is going to be a long match because Casper is a clay court specialist.
But at the end of the day, it will all depend on Rafa because he is a 13-time champion. Perhaps Casper will be a little nervous.
12:27 PM
How Ruud reached the final
The Norwegian also had his own drama in the semi-final after a climate protester chained themselves to the net. But Ruud kept his composure to beat Marin Cilic in four sets.
12:16 PM
How Nadal reached the final
The Spanish star won his semi-final in dramatic fashion after his opponent Alexander Zverev was forced to retire in the second set when he injured his ankle.
It has since been confirmed Zverev has torn ligaments in his right foot and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
12:00 PM
Good afternoon
Hello and welcome to coverage of the men's final at the French Open between Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud.
Nadal is the heavy favourite to win a remarkable record extending 14th title at Roland Garros and 22nd grand slam.
But in his maiden major final, Ruud is capable of creating a huge shock after enjoying an excellent two weeks in Paris.
"I probably watched all of them," Ruud said when asked about Nadal's previous French Open. "I think I could probably tell you all the finals and who he has played and who he has beaten, because I watched them all on TV.
"It's going be amazing to be there myself when you have seen players like Puerta, Federer, Djokovic, Thiem, all the guys who have played him in a final. So to be a part of that group myself is something I can always brag about after my career.
"Hopefully I will, of course, give it a shot at the title, and it would be nicer to be able to brag about the title as well after my career. I will try to figure something else out other than in the practice, how to beat him. I will just enjoy the moment. This is a special occasion for both of us. He's playing for his 22nd. I'm playing for my first."
An interesting subplot to the final is the fact Ruud has been training at Nadal academy in Mallorca since 2018.
"I have a huge respect for him. First of all in terms of a friend, he has a great character," Nadal said. "As a player, of course, I respect him a lot. He did a lot of great things the last couple of years. It's not a surprise."
Stay with us for build-up and latest updates ahead of a 2pm start.
