Los 40 USA
Sign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

ROLAND GARROS

Nadal backs Thiem for future French Open glory

Dominic Thiem was no match for Rafael Nadal in today's French Open final but the champion backed his opponent for future Roland Garros glory.

Update:
Nadal backs Thiem for future French Open glory
Getty Images

Rafael Nadal was too strong for Dominic Thiem in Sunday's French Open final but in the immediate aftermath the Spaniard backed his beaten opponent to prevail at Roland Garros in future. The King of Clay lived up to his moniker once again on Court Philippe Chatrier, seeing out a 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory to claim his 11th title on the red dirt in Paris.

Nadal plays a forehand return to Dominic Thiem in today's French Open final.
Full screen
Nadal plays a forehand return to Dominic Thiem in today's French Open final.CHRISTOPHE SIMONAFP

Thiem's time will come, says Nadal

Thiem is the only man to have defeated the world number one on the surface over the past two seasons, but another win was never really on the cards once Nadal imposed his will on the encounter. In the post-match presentation, a triumphant Nadal was typically gracious in victory, predicting that Thiem would soon taste Roland Garros glory.

Nadal and Thiem pose with their trophies after the 2018 French Open final.
Full screen
Nadal and Thiem pose with their trophies after the 2018 French Open final.Clive BrunskillGetty Images

Pushed to the limit

"Well played to Dominic, he played a great two weeks," Nadal said after the game. "I'm happy, he's a good friend and one of these players the Tour needs and I'm sure you'll win here in the next couple of years. It was the best match of the tournament for me. It was important to do that today because Dominic is a very aggressive player. I'm very happy, it was a tough moment in the third set when I got cramp in the hand. I was very scared but that's sport, today is very humid and I was playing against a player that pushes you to the limit. It's amazing, I can't describe my feelings, because it's not even a dream to win here for the 11th time because it's impossible to think, so thankyou to everybody, it's fantastic."