Nadal beats Djokovic for record seventh French Open title

Paris: Rafael Nadal has made history by defeating No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a rain-suspended men's final at Roland Garros, sealing an Open-era record seventh French Open title. The rain-hit match had resumed on Monday with Djokovic serving at 2-1 in the fourth set, and he was immediately broken by Nadal who has now gone past Bjorn Borg at the clay-court open.

The win on Monday was Nadal's 11th Grand Slam title, taking him to joint fourth on the all-time list of winners alongside Borg and Rod Laver. He now leads Roger Federer (16), Pete Sampras (14) and Roy Emerson (12).

Nadal also snapped Djokovic's streak of three consecutive Grand Slam titles, denying the Serbian a chance to become the first since Laver to win all four Grand Slam titles at the same time. Nadal had been beaten by Djokovic in their past three Grand Slam finals, including a nearly six-hour duel at the Australian Open in January.

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  Rafael Nadal bites the cup after defeating Novak Djokovic in the French Open final. Nadal passes Bjorn Borg as the all-time record-holder for French Open titles. (AP Photo)

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  Spain's Rafael Nadal holds the cup after defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the French Open men's final match. (AP Photo)

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  Rafael Nadal of Spain cries after winning the men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the French Open tennis tournament. (AP Photo)

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  Rafael Nadal reacts as he defeats Novak Djokovic in their French Open men's final match. (AP Photo)

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  Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates winning the French Open final against Novak Djokovic of Serbia. (AP Photo)

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  Nadal clinched his seventh title in four sets 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, passing Sweden's Bjorn Borg as the all-time record-holder for French Open titles. (AP Photo)

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The Spaniard has now won 11 Grand Slam titles, moving him into a tie for fourth in the all-time list.

Nadal's record at Roland Garros now stands at 52-1.

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