Rafael Nadal raced to a record eighth French Open title Sunday with a
straight sets 6-3 6-2 6-3 dismissal of fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in
a final briefly interrupted by a protestor brandishing a lighted
flare.
Nadal was serving for the second set at 5-1 when a shirtless man with
a white mask ran onto the Philippe Chatrier Court and came to within a
few meters of Nadal.
He was swiftly tackled by security staff-- Nadal shook the hand of one
of them -- but when play continued red smoke was still billowing over
the court.
Perhaps shaken, Nadal dropped his service but quickly regained his
composure to close out the set in the next game.
Protestors aside, the weather looked looked the only other obstacle to
another Nadal triumph at Roland Garros.
Persistent drizzle was in evidence throughout the match, but the
heavierrain held off long enough for the reigning champion to wrap up
victory in two hours 16 minutes.
It was his 12th grand slam title and particularly sweet after his
prolonged eighth month absence from the game with a knee injury --
only returning tothe ATP circuit in February.
He also becomes the first man to win the same grand slam title eight
times -- breaking out of a tie with Roger Federer and Pete Sampras --
who haveseven wins apiece at Wimbledon.
Read: Serena battles to second French Open title
Nadal's reputation as the "King of Clay" was further enhanced by his
epicsemifinal victory over No.1 Novak Djokovic, but his friend and
long-time rival Ferrer was to prove stiff opposition despite the
scoreline.
The 31-year-old fourth seed briefly ledin the first set after an early
break, butNadal was soon back on track and claimed two breaks of his
own to take the advantage.
The second set was more one-sided, Ferrer making his only gain against
service after the protest.
Clearly impatient to close out his victory, Nadal immediately broke at
the start of the third, but in trying to press made mistakes to be
broken back.
He broke through again to take a 5-3 lead and duly served out
comfortably for victory, falling back on to the clay in trademark
fashion to celebrate aftera whipped forehand winner on championship
point.
"It's one of the most special ones," said an emotional Nadal.
Read: Nadal edges Djokovic in semifinal epic
"In the last year I have had some low moments but without my family I
would not have done this. Without myphysio I could not have done this.
I never realized something like this could happen for me."
Ferrer, who was playing in his first grand slam final, conceded he had
been up against an inspired opponent.
"I enjoyed the two weeks here. I congratulate Rafa, he's the best," he said.
"But I will try my best to have anotherchance to play in a final and
win a grand slam. This tournament is very special to me."
Nadal was presented with his trophy by Olympic sprint champion Usain
Bolt, who had been sitting in the VIP Box with Hollywood actor
Leonardo DiCaprio.
Watch: Seles turns novelist
Both had born close witness to the earlier court invasion, which
appeared to be linked with a simultaneous incident on the nearby
Suzanne Lenglen Court, where several protestors also lit flares and
displayed banners opposed to France's same sex marriage legislation.
Two people were also ushered from the main stadium court after holding
up a signs opposing the measure, which was passed last month amid
widespread opposition in France.
It is 20 years since the infamous incident at a tournament in Hamburg
when Monica Seles was stabbed in theback on court by Guenter Parche
and did not return to tennis until 1995.
The 2009 French final was also held up when a man ran on the court and
tried to put a red hat on the eventual winner Roger Federer. He was
tackled by security but only after jumping the net.
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