The King of Clay - Rafael Nadal Wins His 11th French Open Title

Rafael Nadal spent Sunday afternoon in Paris achieving what no other man in tennis history has done — and no player, man or woman, has done in the Open era — by winning the same Grand Slam title on 11 occasions.

Nadal pocketed his 11th French Open title and second in a row with a 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 victory over seventh-seeded Dominic Thiem of Austria, who was playing in his first career final at a major.

“It’s impossible to describe the feeling,” Nadal told John McEnroe on the NBC broadcast after the match. “It’s probably the most important tournament of the year for me because it’s the one I really feel I have more chances, and have the chance to have the trophy again with me is unbelievable.”

Thiem, who had three wins in 10 meetings against Nadal, wasn't a threat to take down Nadal, even when the Spaniard's left hand cramped in the fourth game of the third set.

“There is a reason why Rafa’s won here 11 times,” Thiem told McEnroe. “He was too good again here. I have to accept it. ... To play him here is one of the toughest challenges in sport.”

The 32-year-old Nadal has now won four titles this season - all on clay, an impressive feat considering a right leg injury forced him to abandon his Australian Open quarterfinal match against Marin Cilic  and kept him off-court until the clay court season.

Nadal leaves Paris retaining his No. 1 status and can look ahead to securing a third Wimbledon trophy. He has won each of the finals he has contested at Roland Garros, and has won 11 of the last 14 French Open titles.