The ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal reclaimed his title once again as he dominated the French Open like he did a decade ago. 

The 34-year-old looked in brilliant form throughout the 2020 edition of Roland-Garros, winning every single one of his matches in straight sets, including the final against Serb legend and current World Rank 1, Novak Djokovic. 

View this post on InstagramVictory is sweet. Your 2020 Roland-Garros Men’s Singles Champion. #RolandGarros #tennis #rafaelnadal #nadal #Paris #instasportA post shared by (@rolandgarros)

Despite having a 48% winning percentage against the Joker, Nadal made the most of out the clear advantage that he was on clay and cruised past him with the final score reading 6-0, 6-2, 7-5.

As opposed to the enormous support fans from France show towards the Spaniard and all the other competitors during the Grand Slam in any other given year, this edition of the tournament seemed significantly different as only a handful of spectators were allowed in the stands.

However, that didn’t stop Nadal from staying true to his form.

View this post on InstagramNever letting go 🤗🏆 #RolandGarros #rafa #rafaelnadal #Paris #clay #tennis #sport 📸 Julien Crosnier / FFTA post shared by (@rolandgarros)

The trophy Rafa earned this year holds an extraordinary place in Nadal’s heart and in the history of tennis as a sport as it helps the Spanish southpaw tie Swizz Maestro Roger Federer’s record for the most number of singles Grand Slam titles (20).  

While the victory brought Nadal and Federer fans on social media to once again open the discussion about who was the GOAT of tennis, Federer himself came up with a heartwarming message, congratulating Nadal on tying his record and winning the French Open 13 times, which he considered “one of the greatest achievements in sport”.

@rogerfederer 🤝 @RafaelNadal

Federer took to Twitter to congratulate his rival on a historic achievement after Nadal won the French Open. pic.twitter.com/EvHILp7zVg

— ESPN (@espn) October 11, 2020

On Twitter Federer said:

“I have always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion. As my greatest rival over many years, I believe we have pushed each other to become better players. Therefore, it is a true honour for me to congratulate him on his 20th Grand Slam victory.”

He continued: 

“It is especially amazing that he has now won Roland Garros an incredible 13 times, which is one of the greatest achievements in sport,” Federer wrote. “I also congratulate his team, because nobody can do this alone. I hope 20 is just another step on the continuing journey for both of us. Well done, Rafa. You deserve it.”

For all the #Fedal fans...

When @rogerfederer made it on to @RafaelNadal's Instagram Live! pic.twitter.com/e6NGrmicYb

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 20, 2020

The rivalry between Federer and Nadal is always going to be remembered as one of the most iconic rivalries of all time, not simply because of the quality of competitiveness we got to see between them but also because of the camaraderie they share off the court.

Be it their botched Instagram live sessions or shared interviews, you can see the genuine fondness for each other when the two legends are in the same room. That’s recognition, that’s respect in the purest form and that’s how the game of tennis should be played.

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