Rafael Nadal wins record eighth French Open

Rafael Nadal made light work of fellow Spaniard David Ferrer to win a protest-interrupted French Open final 6-3 6-2 6-3 in Paris and become the first man to win eight singles titles at the same tournament.

The grey, dank and chilly atmosphere that greeted the players on Philippe Chatrier Court was certainly not to Nadal’s liking but he soon warmed to the task of grinding down an opponent whom he had trounced in their last 16 claycourt clashes.

Play was halted briefly in the sixth game of the second set when a man wearing a white mask leapt over from the stands and ran towards Nadal as he lit an orange flare. The protestor ran around waving the flare before he, and another bare-chested accomplice, were bundled away by security staff.

File Photo  : AFP