Paris: Rafael Nadal got the better of David Ferrer to become the first man to capture the same Grand Slam title eight times with victory in the French Open final here on Sunday .

Nadal claimed his 12th major with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win over his Spanish compatriot who was playing in his first Grand Slam final at the age of 31. It also gave Nadal his 59th win out of 60 matches played in Paris.
 

The fourth-seeded Ferrer had the superior return numbers, but Nadal, the No. 3 seed, created more opportunities by winning 54 per cent of his receiving points. He broke Ferrer eight times and battled through a couple lapses in concentration, one related to a protestor who approached the court with a flare towards the end of the second set.

Nadal went on to claim victory in two hours and 16 minutes. He finished with 35 winners to 25 unforced errors and won 13 of his 17 points at net. Ferrer was only able to convert three of his 12 break point chances.

“The feeling on court was great. The match[es] against David are always difficult,” Nadal said. “I think the score is much easier than what the match was today. I think for moments I played great. I think a few moments in the match, I played at very, very high level.

“Eight times here is a lot. I never thought about that. But I will keep practising with the same passion and intensity to bring my tennis to the highest level possible,” said Nadal.
 

Courtsey: www.atpworldtour.com