Seven French Open titles at the age of 26, one defeat ever at Roland Garros, those statistics say it all about the remarkable Rafael Nadal.
The Spanish world number two confirmed his incredible place in history on Monday, when he defeated Novak Djokovic in four sets in the French Open final, to usurp Bjorn Borg’s record on the surface.
And rightfully so, considering Nadal’s unbelievable record at the event, where he has only ever suffered one defeat, to Robin Soderling several years ago. It’s a remarkable history for a remarkable athlete who still has so much more to give in an era dominated by three sensational athletes; Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.
“I really don’t know how many more years I will be here playing,” Nadal said after Monday’s triumph which was his 11th Grand Slam title.
“It is impossible to predict the future. I will be here until the injuries (stop) my chances to keep playing and until my mind stays with motivation, with passion for what I am doing.
“Hopefully for a long time, I don’t know. That’s what I will try and that’s my goal. I work hard every day. I wake up every day with enough motivation to go to practice and to keep improving.
“When that changes more days than usual, it probably will be the time to say goodbye. That’s not the case today.”
As for his own dominance on the clay surface, Nadal wasn’t shy about that.
“I think my game naturally adapts very well to this surface,” Nadal said.
“My movements are probably the right ones to play here, and my natural shot the right one for clay.
“How long will I go on? It is impossible to predict the future. I will be here for as long as my injuries don’t stop me playing and until I still have motivation and passion for what I am doing. Hopefully for a long time.”
He’s the king of clay, and you fancy at just 26, he’ll win many more French Opens and set a very high bar for whoever comes next. All hail Rafa.