"If this isn’t the greatest achievement by a sportsperson, then not sure what is" - Tennis fans react to Rafael Nadal's 14th French Open title
Rafael Nadal did not need long to sink his teeth into his 14th French Open trophy, crushing Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the final of the 2022 edition on Sunday. With the victory, the Spaniard brought up his 22nd Grand Slam title and extended his lead over Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the Slam race.
The Mallorcan also became the oldest player to win the title in Paris, doing so at the age of 36 years and two days. Another notable milestone the 22-time Grand Slam champion achieved was becoming only the third man in the Open Era to beat four top-10 players en route to a Major title, after Mats Wilander and Roger Federer.
The 36-year-old's triumph on Sunday was largely expected, with many viewing Casper Ruud as several levels below the Spaniard in terms of both technical prowess and experience.
Despite that, the manner in which the World No. 5 managed to blow his way past the Norwegian was enough to send tennis fans on social media into a frenzy.
Hailing the former World No. 1 as the undisputed GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), users on Twitter threw superlative after superlative at the champion to try and describe his greatness.
Many pointed to his unbelievable record at the French Open (112-3), especially in finals (14-0), to claim that it was the single greatest achievement by an athlete across sports.
"If this isn’t the greatest achievement by a sportsperson, then not sure what is! 14 French Opens!!! The ultimate GOAT," one fan tweeted.
Is this isn’t the greatest achievement by a sportsperson than not sure what is! 14 French Opens!!!
The ultimate GOAT, NADAL 💯
Last weekend: Rafael Nadal watches his beloved Real Madrid become champions of Europe for the 14th time in Paris
This weekend: Rafael Nadal wins the French Open for the 14th time in Paris https://t.co/rM9I5njZRp
Rafael Nadal at clay is the brutal domination we had seen in history of any sport. Nothing comes close.
"Rafael Nadal at the age of 36 just won the Australian Open and Roland Garros back-to-back for the first time. Beating players like Djokovic, Medvedev, Zverev, Shapo, Berrettini and Felix. I must be in dreamland!!! A year ago this felt impossible!!!" another fan posted.
Rafael Nadal at the age of 36 just won the Australian Open and Roland Garros back to back for the first time. Beating players like Djokovic, Medvedev, Zverev, Shapo, Berrettini and Felix. I must be in dreamland!!! A year ago this felt impossible!!! You never doubt Rafael Nadal!!!
Pete Sampras held the men's record for most grand slam titles for a decade. He finished with 14 grand slams.
Today, Rafa Nadal just won his 14th French Open title. Insane doesn't even begin to describe it.
Once in a century athlete. The Goat.
#RafaelNadal𓃵
Pete Sampras won his 14th Grand Slam title back in 2002, I always believed it was going to take an unreal effort to surpass him. 20 years on, Rafael Nadal has 14 French Open titles. Unbelievable, really 🐐
https://t.co/nBYcwvekH6
"What is there left to say about Rafael Nadal? Feels like we are in an uncharted territory leaving any completion far behind and only competing with the time but in reality Rafa is already timeless! Vamos!" one account wrote.
What is there left to say about Rafael Nadal? Feels like we are in an uncharted territory leaving any completion far behind and only competing with the time but in reality Rafa is already timeless! Vamos! 💪 https://t.co/qxxQejd4sn
Is there another athletes that dominates a venue/event more than Nadal at Roland Garros?
Hamilton at Silverstone
Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals
Cristiano in the Champions League
Jack Nicklaus at the Masters
Tom Brady at the SuperBowl
Phelps at… swimming? 😂
Any others? https://t.co/wAE7jxqDSK
Beating Rafa Nadal At The French Open Continues To Be The Hardest Accomplishment in All of Sports barstoolsports.com/blog/3420151/b… https://t.co/DNiIllnWdz
"Growing up, Pete Sampras' No 14 was the ultimate number in men's tennis for so long. And now we have witnessed Rafa Nadal win 14 just at French Open alone and there are two men just two behind him in the overall count. Quite awesome," another fan wrote.
Growing up, Pete Sampras' No 14 was the ultimate number in men's tennis for so long. And now we have witnessed Rafa Nadal win 14 just at French Open alone and there are two men just two behind him in the overall count.
Quite awesome.
While I was growing up Sampras was chasing 12 GS titles. Now there is 14 in one slam.
Most GS titles Men
Rafa 22
Nole 20
Fed 20
Rafa French open -14
Sampras 14
Time to rename the centre court to Rafa Nadal arena.
So tough to achieve what Rafa has done.
#FrenchOpen
Rafael Nadal as French Open champ for a 14th time? Believe it.
17 years to the day after his first. Cannot get over the dedication this athlete has had to his craft — for two decades+ https://t.co/BC4P89NA6K
"There is no greater challenge in sport than playing Rafa at Roland Garros. 112 wins, just 3 losses. Unbelievable," one user wrote.
There is no greater challenge in sport than playing Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros. 112 wins, just 3 losses. Unbelievable
Rafael Nadal has never lost a French Open final.
He has also failed to win the tournament on just 4 occasions since his first title in 2005.
The King of Clay has claimed his crown 👑 https://t.co/Ant1NLLGSX
To those who compared Alcaraz to young Rafa
When Nadal was 19 vs When Alcaraz was 19 https://t.co/oSRonDRQPv
Rafael Nadal to rise to World No. 4 following his French Open triumph
Following his title win at the 2022 French Open, Rafael Nadal will overtake Stefanos Tsitsipas in the ATP rankings and move into the World No. 4 spot. The Spaniard currently has 7,525 points to his name, at least 1,400 points more than the Greek's tally of 6,100.
In the Race to Milan, the 22-time Grand Slam champion has a very comfortable lead over second-placed Carlos Alcaraz. The Mallorcan has 5,620 points, while Alcaraz has earned 3,820 points in 2022 so far.