Rafael Nadal of Spain etched his name in the history books, becoming the first man to win the same major tournament eight times after beating countryman David Ferrer, 6-3, 6-2, 6-3, in the final of the French Open.

"Eight times here is a lot. I never thought about that. But I will keep practicing with the same passion and intensity to bring my tennis to the highest level possible," said Nadal, who moved to a third-place tie with Roy Emerson with 12 Grand Slam titles.

Nadal was presented with the Coupe des Mousquetaires by six-time Olympic gold medalist and track superstar Usain Bolt. Nadal also won here in 2005 to 2008 and 2010 to 2012.

"The feeling on court was great. The matches against David are always difficult," he said. "I think the score is much easier than what the match was today. I think for moments I played great. I think a few moments in the match, I played at very, very high level.

With the victory, Nadal broke a tie with six other players for the most titles at a single Grand Slam event.

Nadal improved to 20-4 against Ferrer in their head-to-head showdown, posting his 9th straight win and fourth this year over the first-time Grand Slam finalist.

Ferrer was looking to become the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title since Andre Agassi at the Australian Open in 2003. Prior to the final, the 31-year-old Ferrer had not lost a set.

"To beat Rafael on a clay court, I need to play more aggressive," said Ferrer. "I need to finish the points at the net and play my best tennis to beat him. But when the court is slower, it's very difficult."

Nadal created more opportunities by winning 54 percent of his receiving points and breaking Ferrer eight times.

Overall, Nadal finished with 35 winners to 25 unforced errors and won 13 of his 17 points at the net to claim victory in two hours and 16 minutes.

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Tennis: "Rafael Nadal Makes History, Wins 8th French Open"