Nadal claims 11th French Open crown in Paris

Rafael Nadal claimed an 11th French Open title with a 6-4 6-3 6-2 demolition of Dominic Thiem despite a worrying injury scare in the closing stages of the final.

The 32-year-old world number one now has 17 Grand Slam titles, just three behind great rival Roger Federer.

Nadal endured a nervy conclusion to the final, however, when he needed treatment in the fourth game of the third set for a finger injury before sealing victory on a fifth match point when Thiem fired a backhand long.

“This is unbelievable, it’s not even a dream. Nobody dreams of winning 11 titles,” Nadal, who turned to his team, raising his arms in celebration, after the 2 hour-42-minute French Open final, said. “I’m very happy to have won, especially after I suffered with cramps in the third set. That happens in a match where you are pushed, like I was today” said the King of Clay after the match.

In the final, played under heavy skies, punctuated by thunderous shot-making and stunning use of court, the 32-year-old Spaniard triumphed 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 against first-time finalist Dominic Thiem.