Nadal Surges to Record 8th French Open Title

Rafael Nadal on Sunday became the first man in history to capture the same Grand Slam title eight times, cruising to a straight-sets win over fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in the French Open final, according to the Voice of Russia.

 Nadal wrapped up his 12th major with a crosscourt passing shot to cap a routine 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win over his 31-year-old opponent in two hours and 17 minutes.

 Having cemented his status as the undisputed king of clay, Nadal collapsed onto his back and brought his hands to his face before springing back up with the energy of a man barely stretched by his opponent and embracing Ferrer at the net.

 It continued Nadal’s stunning comeback from a seven-month injury layoff that ended in February, since when he has won 43 of 45 matches and taken seven singles titles.

 The victory takes Nadal, 27, clear of Roger Federer and Pete Sampras, both of whom clinched seven Wimbledon titles.

 Ferrer, in his first-ever Grand Slam final, had looked to become the oldest major title winner since Andre Agassi won the 2003 Australian Open at the age of 32.