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Rafael Nadal makes history with 10th French Open win

Rafael Nadal is the undisputed king of clay after claiming a history-making 10th French Open title with a dominating 6-2 6-3 6-1 win over third-seeded Stan Wawrinka.

Nadal, seeded fourth at Roland Garros, became the first man or woman in the Open era to win a Grand Slam tournament 10 times.

Nada has lost just two matches at the French Open since his debut in 2005 and is now just one short of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 11 titles at a single grand slam.

The Spaniard, who has now won 15 grand slam titles in total, was never troubled in a one-sided final Monday morning (AEST).

He claimed the Musketeers Cup without dropping a set in the tournament for the third time, having lost only 35 games en route to achieving what has been dubbed ‘La Decima’.

Wawrinka, who had won his three previous finals at a major, bowed out on the second match point when he sliced a backhand volley into the net.

Nadal, who passed Pete Sampras’ mark to close to within three of Roger Federer’s all-time record of 18 grand slams, was beaming after the win.

“It’s truly amazing,” Nadal said.

“This final to win La Decima for me is very, very special. It’s very emotional for me.

“The feeling I have here is impossible to describe.

“The nerves, the adrenaline that I feel when I play in this court is impossible to compare. It’s the most important tournament in my career and to win again is something I can’t describe.”

Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka

Stan Wawrinka had no answer to Rafael Nadal on clay.

Nadal also pad tribute to his uncle Toni, who is expected to step down as his coach at the end of 2017.

“Thanks to my uncle, he’s been with me since I was three years old, we’ve been working a lot and without him I would not have these 10 trophies with me,” he said.

The vanquished Wawrinka could do little but offer praise to Nadal for a complete performance, denying the Swiss his fourth grand slam title.

“There is nothing to say about today, you were too good,” Wawrinka said.

“What you are doing in tennis is unbelievable. It’s always been an honour to play against you, two grand slam finals now, congratulations to you for your career and your team.”

– With AAP

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