Paris :Â Moments after Rafael Nadal lifted his 14th French Open title, Twitter was flooded with congratulatory tweets including those from former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and Spanish footballer David de Gea who hailed the champion for his historic 22nd Grand Slam trophy.
Nadal, popularly known as the King of Clay, once again proved his greatness on clay courts on Sunday night as he defeated Casper Ruud of Norway 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 to win the French Open title for a record 14th time. After Nadal’s win, former Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Ravi Shastri, and footballer David de Gea congratulated the 36-year-old tennis ace for his remarkable achievement.
To go out there and win a record 14th French Open & 22nd Grand Slam at the age of 36 is an incredible achievement. Congratulations, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar tweeted. Just watched the most special tribute to Rafa Nadal on Supersport and realised all over again how special the man is. Also found out that Casper Ruud attended his academy and faces the master in the final today. Incredible! So, how good is Rafa’s academy then? tweeted South Africa cricket legend AB de Villiers.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri termed Nadal as the modern day ‘Hercules’ while Virender Sehwag said the Spaniard is the ‘king of clay’. A modern-day Hercules who just will not melt in the hottest Claypot. Starts favourite to make it 15 only. Just insane. Salute forever @RafaelNadal @rolandgarros #Nadal #FrenchOpen, he said.