Nadal defeats Thiem to claim record-stretching 12th French Open title

Rafael Nadal claimed won his 12th French Open title after a tense 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 win over Dominic Thiem on Monday morning (AEST) as he clinched his 18th grand slam triumph in total.

Rafael Nadal bites the French Open trophy Source: Getty Images

Defying the years and one of the most fierce onslaughts he has ever faced at Roland Garros, Nadal left Thiem crushed and a packed Parisian stadium shaking their heads in wonder.

The first set had been one for the ages, the second ran it close, but after three hours and one solitary minute all that mattered was that Nadal was once again in familiar pose, flat on his back in the clay.

For much of this final, rarely, if ever, has any opponent played so well against Nadal on this Philippe Chatrier centre court.

Rarely, if ever, has the best of the young guns Thiem struck the ball so firmly, or played with such purpose and aggression.

But it wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough. Not even before Thiem ultimately ran out of steam.

The 33-year-old Nadal, who becomes the first player to win the same grand slam title 12 times, going past Margaret Court's 11 Australian Opens, now sits just two major titles behind his great foe and men’s grand slam title record holder, 37-year-old Roger Federer.

“It's incredible. I can't explain the feeling,” Nadal said.

“For me it was a dream to play here in 2005, and I could not imagine I would be back here in 2019. It's a very special moment for me.

“I want to say congratulations to Dominic. I feel sorry… he deserves it. He has absolute intensity and passion for this sport. I wish him all the best for the future."