Rafael Nadal wrapped up his third successive French Open title and apologised to Roger Federer for once again destroying the world number one's Grand Slam dream.
PARIS: Rafael Nadal wrapped up his third successive French Open title on Sunday and immediately apologised to Roger Federer for once again destroying the world number one's Grand Slam dream.
Nadal triumphed 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to beat Federer for the second final in a row here with the win preventing the Swiss from capturing a first Roland Garros crown and make him just the third man to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time.
"I feel sorry for beating Roger here again," said Nadal.
"He is such a good person and a great champion. I'm happy to win here again but I need to keep working to get even better."
The 21-year-old also praised the Roland Garros crowd, the majority of whom were willing his opponent to a first French Open victory.
"Mallorca is my home but I love Paris," said the Spaniard.
Federer was left to regret squandering 10 break points in the crucial first set which he lost and a huge 60 unforced errors in the match.
He admitted it had been another tough afternoon.
"It's a shame, but I think I came closer to winning last year. This year I was always behind and it was never easy," said Federer.
"It's not the last time I will play here and I will try all I can to win next year.
"To win here three times in a row is an incredible achievement so all congratulations must go to Rafa.
"I'm sad and disappointed. I missed my big chances but a lot of that was down to my opponent."
Nadal and Federer also won praise from former triple champion Gustavo Kuerten who presented the trophies.
"It was a great match on clay with two great players," said Kuerten whose career has been derailed by a hip injury in recent seasons.
"Next year I hope to get out of my suit and into my shorts and play at Roland Garros myself once again."
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