Rafael Nadal took satisfaction from the journey not just the destination after overcoming a difficult period to lift his 12th title at the French Open. It was a repeat of last year’s final and the Spaniard dropped a set this time but hit back brutally to defeat Dominic Thiem 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 and win a 12th French Open title. Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates his record 12th French Open title (AP)But what appeared routine from the outside, the 33-year-old losing just two sets all tournament, felt far from that way inside Nadal’s camp. Finally I think I was able to change and was able to fight back for every small improvement. Rafael Nadal says overhauling the record 20 grand slam titles of Roger Federer (pictured) is “a motivation, but not my obsession” (John Walton/PA)“Of course to have this trophy with me means a lot.

Source: Irish Examiner June 10, 2019 03:22 UTC