Nadal Stops Djokovic: Wins Record Seventh French Open Title

Jojo Doria

Paris, France

It took two days and a break in the weather but Rafael Nadal was not going to be denied a record-setting French Open victory.

Nadal won his record-setting seventh French Open title Monday, knocking off world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a rain-delayed final.

The victory allowed Nadal to break a tie with Bjorn Borg for most titles won in the clay court major.

Djokovic had a 2-1 lead in the fourth set when they took the court Monday after an 18-hour rain delay. Nadal broke back and then won the final two games of the set to clinch the match.

Djokovic double-faulted on match point, ending his bid to become the first man since Rod Laver, 43 years ago, to win four straight major titles.

Nadal is used to stopping streaks like that on the red clay of Roland Garros. Roger Federer came to the French Open in 2006 and 2007 in search of his fourth straight title in a Grand Slam event only to have the quest halted by Nadal.

Nadal won his 11th overall Grand Slam title, tying him with Borg and Laver for fourth on the all-time list.

"It was a very difficult match against the best player in the world," Nadal said. "I lost three Grand Slam finals - Wimbledon, the U.S. Open last year, and the Australian Open this year. I'm very happy, very emotional."

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Nadal Stops Djokovic: Wins Record Seventh French Open Title