Rafael Nadal Becomes Oldest Tennis Player To Win French Open: I Could Have Retired Before

Spain's Rafael Nadal wins the French Open. (Photo: Twitter @rolandgarros)

JAKARTA - Tennis player from Spain, Rafael Nadal, set a record after winning the French Open 2022, Sunday, June 5. He became the oldest tennis player to win the tournament.

Nadal, 36, replaced Andrea Gimeno, who won the 1972 French Open at the age of 34.

This is Nadal's 14th win at the French Open. He extended his record to 22 grand slam tournament titles, two trophies ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

Nadal actually had doubts due to a chronic knee injury he suffered. However, he finally decided to keep performing.

"I don't know what to do with this injury. If it weren't for the team, my family and everyone around me, I could have retired," Nadal said as quoted by AFP.

"I never believed I could be here, at the age of 36, and be competitive again. Being here means a lot to me. It helps me keep going."

Nadal became champion after defeating Casper Ruud of Norway. He won 6-3, 6-3, and 6-0.

Ruud also congratulated Nadal. He said his opponent was a true champion.

"This is my first time fighting Nadal, so now that I know how to be a victim, there will be many more," said Ruud.

"He has been a true inspiration to me. We all hope he will continue after this."

Rafael Nadal himself does not know what will happen in the future. "But I will keep fighting trying to keep playing," he said.