Rafael Nadal sets sights on seventh French Open success

Six-timer: Nadal with the French Open trophy
13 April 2012

Rafael Nadal equalled Bjorn Borg's record of six French Open titles with victory over Roger Federer and then set his sights on number seven.

Yesterday's win was the fourth time Nadal has defeated his great rival to win the Coupe des Mousquetaires and it was arguably his toughest match as he held off a Federer fightback to triumph 7-5 7-6 (7/3) 5-7 6-1.

The 25-year-old, who ensured he will be world number one going into Wimbledon with victory, said: "It's something very special to equal the six titles of Bjorn.

"But for me the most important thing is to win Roland Garros. It's really an honour to have this record with him. I'm going to keep working to be here next year and to try to play well another time."

Nadal has twice won the French Open without dropping a set but it was very different this time, with the Spaniard fighting back from two sets to one down against John Isner in round one and opening up about his struggles with form and confidence.

For that reason, Nadal labelled this title as the best of the six, saying: "To win this kind of title is always satisfying. But sometimes when you fight a lot to win, when you try your best in every moment to change the situation, it makes the title more special."

It was a match of fluctuating fortunes for both men, with Federer blowing a 5-2 lead and a set point in the opening set but then twice fighting back from a break down in the second only to lose it in the tie-break.

Nadal surged ahead in set three and moved to within two games of victory but back came Federer, and when the Swiss had three break points in the opening game of the fourth set, the unthinkable seemed possible.

Nadal shut the door, though, and from there it was one-way traffic as he reeled off five games in a row to move into double figures for grand slam titles.

Federer had mixed feelings after coming so close to a first grand slam title since beating Andy Murray at the Australian Open in 2010.

He said: "I thought Rafa played well. I think he dug deep to come back in the first set and get himself into the match. And also the second set.

"It was tough all the way through. I thought we played at a very high level and I was pretty happy with the way I played. I don't have huge complaints but obviously there were some missed opportunities, because you'll always have plenty against him on clay. So if you lose, you always look at those.

"Overall I'm very happy about the tournament. Obviously you should be disappointed after losing in a grand slam final. I feel that a little bit."

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