Rafael Nadal route to the final | Eventual glory for Incredible Nadal

Andrew Francis in French Open 06 Jun 2022

Rafa Nadal in action (Alamy Stock Photo)

Rafael Nadal returned to the clay courts of Roland Garros and claimed another title, increasing his own record to 14 French Open titles.

The King of Clay was dethroned by Novak Djokovic at last year’s French Open, losing to the Serb in the semis in what was his third defeat in 108 matches at the Paris major but the Spaniard was able to return to favour this year when Nadal secured the win at the quarter final stage.

That match was set up when Spaniard, who is managing a foot injury, reached the last eight by beating Felix Auger-Aliassime in round four. Nadal strode into the second slam of the year off the back of early exits in Madrid and Rome, and had arrived at Roland Garros having failed to reach at least one clay court Masters 1000 final for the first time.

But he proved he is still able to hang with the elite when he beat Casper Ruud in straight sets on Sunday, regaining his status as king of the clay.

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Rafael Nadal potential route to French Open final

Round	Opponent
Round one	Beat Jordan Thompson 6-2, 6-2, 6-2
Round two	Beat Corentin Moutet 6-3, 6-1, 6-4
Round three	Beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-2, 6-4
Round four	Beat Felix Auger-Aliassime 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. 3-6, 6-3
Quarter-final	Beat Novak Djokovic 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4)
Semi-final	Beat Alexander Zverev 7-6 (10-8), 6-6 (Zverev retired)
Final	Beat Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0