Long the reigning king of clay, Rafael Nadal has won his 11th French Open title, dominating Dominic Thiem in straight sets in the men’s final Sunday.

Nadal extends his own record by winning his 11th Grand Slam title played on clay, never having lost a final at Roland Garros. The Spaniard, who is ranked No. 1 in the world, is 86-2 in his career at the French Open.

A win against Nadal last month gave Thiem a glimmer of hope he could pull off the upset, but Sunday Nadal was just too good. Thiem beat Nadal on clay 7-5, 6-3, in the Madrid quarterfinals to end Nadal’s streak of 50 consecutive sets won on clay. He also beat Nadal on clay in Rome in 2017.

The 24-year-old Austrian, seeded seventh in Paris, played in his first Grand Slam final. It’s Nadal’s 17th Grand Slam singles trophy, second only to Roger Federer’s 20 among active players.

Top shots from the 2018 French Open

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Dominic Thiem plays a backhand return to Rafael Nadal
Dominic Thiem plays a backhand return to Rafael Nadal during their men's singles final match.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal cools off in the men's final match against
Rafael Nadal cools off in the men's final match against Dominic Thiem.  Alessandra Tarantino, AP
Dominic Thiem plays a backhand return to Rafael Nadal
Dominic Thiem plays a backhand return to Rafael Nadal during their men's singles final match.  Thomas Samson, AFP/Getty Images
Rafael Nadal serves during the mens singles final against
Rafael Nadal serves during the mens singles final against Dominic Thiem.  Matthew Stockman, Getty Images
Rafael Nadal plays a backhand during the mens singles
Rafael Nadal plays a backhand during the mens singles final against Dominic Thiem.  Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
Simona Halep kisses the trophy as she celebrates victory
Simona Halep kisses the trophy as she celebrates victory following the ladies singles final.  Matthew Stockman, Getty Images
Winner Simona Halep and runner-up Sloane Stephens pose
Winner Simona Halep and runner-up Sloane Stephens pose with their trophies after their women's final match.  Yoan Volat, EPA-EFE
Sloane Stephens congratulates Simona Halep on victory
Sloane Stephens congratulates Simona Halep on victory following the ladies singles final.  Matthew Stockman, Getty Images
Sloane Stephens plays a backhand return to Simona Halep
Sloane Stephens plays a backhand return to Simona Halep women's singles final match.  Christophe Archambault, AFP/Getty Images
Sloane Stephens reacts during her women's singles final
Sloane Stephens reacts during her women's singles final match against Simona Halep.  Eric Feferberg, AFP/Getty Images
Simona Halep plays a shot against Sloane Stephens in
Simona Halep plays a shot against Sloane Stephens in the final match.  Alessandra Tarantino, AP
Sloane Stephens plays Simona Halep during their women's
Sloane Stephens plays Simona Halep during their women's final match.  Christophe Petit Tesson, EPA-EFE
Sloane Stephens family and friends watch her against
Sloane Stephens family and friends watch her against Simona Halep during their women's final match.  Yoan Valat, EPA-EFE
June 8: Rafael Nadal returns the ball against Juan
Rafael Nadal returns the ball against Juan Martin Del Potro in the semifinals.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
June 8: Juan Martin Del Potro keep his eye on the ball
Juan Martin Del Potro keep his eye on the ball during his match against Rafael Nadal.  Susan Mullane, Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
June 8: Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro meet
Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro meet at the net after Nadal's semifinal victory.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Dominic Thiem in action during his semifinal against
Dominic Thiem in action during his semifinal against Marco Cecchinato.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Marco Cecchinato in action during his semifinal against
Marco Cecchinato in action during his semifinal against Dominic Thiem.  Susan Mullane, Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
June 8: Victorious Dominic Thiem embraces Marco Cecchinato
Victorious Dominic Thiem embraces Marco Cecchinato after ending the Italian's surprising run in the semifinal.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Simona Halep in action during her match against Garbine
Simona Halep in action during her match against Garbine Muguruza.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Sloane Stephens in action during her match against
Sloane Stephens in action during her match against Madison Keys.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro celebrates winning
Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro celebrates winning the first set against Croatia's Marin Cilic.  Michel Euler, AP
Rafael Nadal returns to Diego Schwartzman.
Rafael Nadal returns to Diego Schwartzman.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Madison Keys returns to Sloane Stephens.
Madison Keys returns to Sloane Stephens.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys at the net after their
Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys at the net after their match on Day 12 at the French Open.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Rafael Nadal celebrates match point against Diego Schwartzman.
Rafael Nadal celebrates match point against Diego Schwartzman.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Diego Schwartzman in action during his match against
Diego Schwartzman in action during his match against Rafael Nadal.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Garbine Muguruza in action during her match against
Garbine Muguruza in action during her match against Simona Halep.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Angelique Kerber in action during her match against
Angelique Kerber in action during her match against Simona Halep.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand during his quarterfinals
Rafael Nadal of Spain plays a forehand during his quarterfinals match against Diego Schwartzman.  Cameron Spencer, Getty Images
A ball lies on the cover of center court as the quarterfinal
A ball lies on the cover of center court as the quarterfinal match between Spain's Rafael Nadal and Argentina's Diego Schwartzman.  Christophe Ena, AP
Simona Halep in action during her match against Angelique
Simona Halep in action during her match against Angelique Kerber.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Maria Sharapova in action during her match against
Maria Sharapova in action during her match against Garbine Muguruza.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Details of the shoes of Maria Sharapova during her
Details of the shoes of Maria Sharapova during her match against Garbine Muguruza.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Sloane Stephens in action during her match against
Sloane Stephens in action during her match against Daria Kasatkina.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after missing a shot
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after missing a shot against Italy's Marco Cecchinato.  Christophe Ena, AP
Marco Cecchinato celebrates match point against Novak
Marco Cecchinato celebrates match point against Novak Djokovic.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Madison Keys of the U.S. serves against Kazakhstan's
Madison Keys of the U.S. serves against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva.  Christophe Ena, AP
Germany's Alexander Zverev returns to Austria's Dominic
Germany's Alexander Zverev returns to Austria's Dominic Thiem.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva returns a shot against
Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva returns a shot against Madison Keys of the U.S.  Christophe Ena, AP
Angelique Kerber celebrates match point against Caroline
Angelique Kerber celebrates match point against Caroline Garcia.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Spain's Rafael Nadal serves against Germany's Maximilian
Spain's Rafael Nadal serves against Germany's Maximilian Marterer'  Christophe Ena, AP
Juan Martin Del Potro celebrates match point against
Juan Martin Del Potro celebrates match point against John Isner.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Diego Schwartzman celebrates match point against Kevin
Diego Schwartzman celebrates match point against Kevin Anderson.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
France's Caroline Garcia serves against Germany's Angelique
France's Caroline Garcia serves against Germany's Angelique Kerber.  Michel Euler, AP
Kevin Anderson in action during his match against Diego
Kevin Anderson in action during his match against Diego Schwartzman.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark plays a backhand against
Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark plays a backhand against Daria Kasatkina of Russia.  Cameron Spencer, Getty Images
Romania's Simona Halep returns to Belgium's Elise Mertens.
Romania's Simona Halep returns to Belgium's Elise Mertens.  Christophe Archambault, AFP/Getty Images
Italy's Marco Cecchinato celebrates winning his fourth-round
Italy's Marco Cecchinato celebrates winning his fourth-round match against Belgium's David Goffin.  Alessandra Tarantino, AP
Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki serves against Russia's
Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki serves against Russia's Daria Kasatkina.  Alessandra Tarantino, AP
Madison Keys (USA) reacts during her match against
Madison Keys (USA) reacts during her match against Mihaela Buzarnescu (Romania).  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Serbia's Novak Djokovic cheers the audience after defeating
Serbia's Novak Djokovic cheers the audience after defeating Spain's Fernando Verdasco.  Christophe Ena, AP
Sloane Stephens in action during her match against
Sloane Stephens in action during her match against Anett Kontaveit.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Dominic Thiem in action during his match against Kei
Dominic Thiem in action during his match against Kei Nishikori.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Zverev of Germany celebrates victory in his fourth-round
Zverev of Germany celebrates victory in his fourth-round match against Karen Khachanov of Russia.  Cameron Spencer, Getty Images
Sloane Stephens of the U.S. returns the ball to Estonia's
Sloane Stephens of the U.S. returns the ball to Estonia's Anett Kontaveit.  Christophe Ena, AP
Japan's Kei Nishikori plays a backhand return to Austria's
Japan's Kei Nishikori plays a backhand return to Austria's Dominic Thiem.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Dominic Thiem in action during his match against Kei
Dominic Thiem in action during his match against Kei Nishikori.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Japanese spectators wave fans for the Kei Nishikori.
Japanese spectators wave fans for the Kei Nishikori.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Serena Williams in action against Julia Goerges.
Serena Williams in action against Julia Goerges.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Serena Williams reacts during her match against Julia
Serena Williams reacts during her match against Julia Goerges.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Court attendants water the Suzanne Lenglen Court before
Court attendants water the Suzanne Lenglen Court before the Julia Goerges (GER) and Serena Williams (USA) match.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Overview of Suzanne Lenglen Court before the Julia
Overview of Suzanne Lenglen Court before the Julia Goerges (GER) and Serena Williams (USA) match.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Maria Sharapova (RUS) celebrates match point against
Maria Sharapova (RUS) celebrates match point against Karolina Pliskova.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Sloane Stephens (USA) poses for selfies with spectators
Sloane Stephens (USA) poses for selfies with spectators after defeating Camila Giorgi (ITA).  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Jun 2, 2018, Paris, France: Sloane Stephens (USA) in
Jun 2, 2018, Paris, France: Sloane Stephens (USA) in action during her match against Camila Giorgi (ITA) on day seven of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports  Susan Mullane, Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
Alexander Zverev (GER) reacts during his match against
Alexander Zverev (GER) reacts during his match against Damir Dzumhur (BIH).  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Madison Keys (USA) in action during her match against
Madison Keys (USA) in action during her match against Naomi Osaka (JPN).  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Spectators huddle for shelter under their umbrellas
Spectators huddle for shelter under their umbrellas as rain falls during the Novak Djokovic (SRB) and Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) match.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Novak Djokovic (SRB) celebrates after match point against
Novak Djokovic (SRB) celebrates after match point against Roberto Bautista Agut.  Susan Mullane, Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
Serena Williams is congratulated on her second-round
Serena Williams is congratulated on her second-round victory by Ashleigh Barty.  Cameron Spencer, Getty Images
Australia's Ashleigh Barty plays a forehand during
Australia's Ashleigh Barty, playing a forehand, won the first set.  Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
But Serena Williams rallied for a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.
But Serena Williams rallied for a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Coco Vandeweghe in action during her match against
Coco Vandeweghe in action during her match against Lesia Tsurenko.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Spain's Rafael Nadal returns to Argentina's Guido Pella.
Spain's Rafael Nadal returns to Argentina's Guido Pella.  Eric Feferberg, AFP/Getty Images
Heather Watson of Great Britain is pictured through
Heather Watson of Great Britain is pictured through Great Britain umbrellas during her second-round match against Elise Mertens of Belgium.  Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
Lesia Tsurenko in action against Coco Vandeweghe.
Lesia Tsurenko in action against Coco Vandeweghe.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Bethanie Mattek-Sands in action during her match against
Bethanie Mattek-Sands in action during her match against Andrea Petkovic.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Simona Halep in action during her match against Taylor
Simona Halep in action during her match against Taylor Townsend.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns a shot against Croatia's
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns a shot against Croatia's Donna Vekic.  Thibault Camus, AP
Garbine Muguruza in action during her match against
Garbine Muguruza in action during her match against Fiona Ferro.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Poland's Hubert Hurkacz serves to Croatia's Marin Cilic
Poland's Hubert Hurkacz serves to Croatia's Marin Cilic during their second-round match.  Christophe Archambault, AFP/Getty Images
A spectator uses a newspaper to protect herself from
A spectator uses a newspaper to protect herself from the sun as she watches Italy's Fabio Fognini playing Sweden's Elias Ymer.  Alessandra Tarantino, AP
France's Julien Benneteau reacts after victory over
France's Julien Benneteau reacts after victory over Argentina's Leonardo Mayer.  Thomas Samson, AFP/Getty Images
Japan's Kei Nishikori reacts after missing a shot against
Japan's Kei Nishikori reacts after missing a shot against France's Benoit Paire in the second round.  Christophe Ena, AP
A man juggles with tennis rackets when entertaining
A man juggles with tennis rackets when entertaining spectators.  Christophe Ena, AP
Elina Svitolina serves to Slovakia's Viktoria Kuzmova
Elina Svitolina serves to Slovakia's Viktoria Kuzmova during the second round.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Spectators watch as Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves
Spectators watch as Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves against Spain's Jaume Munar in the second round.  Christophe Ena, AP
Simona Halep (ROU) in action during her match against
Simona Halep (ROU) in action during her match against Alison Riske (USA).  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Novak Djokovic (SRB) in action during his match against
Novak Djokovic (SRB) in action during his match against Jaume Lunar (ESP).  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Madison Keys (USA) in action during her match against
Madison Keys (USA) in action during her match against Caroline Dolehide (USA).  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Serena Williams of the U.S. returns a shot against
Serena Williams of the U.S. returns a shot against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic.  Michel Euler, AP
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns against Richel Hogenkamp
Russia's Maria Sharapova returns against Richel Hogenkamp of the Netherland.  Alessandra Tarantino, AP
Croatia's Marin Cilic watches the ball as he plays
Croatia's Marin Cilic watches the ball as he plays a backhand return to Australia's James Duckworth.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Garbine Murguruza of Spain celebrates during her first-round
Garbine Murguruza of Spain celebrates during her first-round match against Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia.  Cameron Spencer, Getty Images
A graduated gray filter used to take this image of
A graduated gray filter used to take this image of spectators making their way out of the ground during a rain delay at the French Open at Roland Garros.  Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
Students of Ecole Polytechnique look on as Australia's
Students of Ecole Polytechnique look on as Australia's James Duckworth plays Croatia's Marin Cilic.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic in action during his match against Rogerio
Novak Djokovic in action during his match against Rogerio Dutra Silva on Day 2 of the French Open.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Spain's Rafael Nadal returns a shot against Italy's
Spain's Rafael Nadal returns a shot against Italy's Simone Bolelli.  Christophe Ena, AP
Tennis balls pictured during Day 2 of the French Open
Tennis balls pictured during Day 2 of the French Open at Roland Garros.  Clive Brunskill, Getty Images
Siniakova reacts during her match against Victoria
Siniakova reacts during her match against Victoria Azarenka.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Naomi Osaka of Japan in action during her match against
Naomi Osaka of Japan in action during her match against Sophia Kenin of the USA.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports
Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka serves against Spain's
Switzerland's Stan Wawrinka serves against Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez  Christophe Ena, AP
Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic in action against Veronica
Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic in action against Veronica Cepede Royg of Paraguay during their first-round match at the French Open.  Caroline Blumberg, EPA
Benoit Paire of France in action against Roberto Carballes
Benoit Paire of France in action against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain.  Guillaume Horcajuelo, EPA
Timea Babos of Hungary reacts during her match against
Timea Babos of Hungary reacts during her match against Lara Arruabarrena of Spain.  Christophe Petit Tesson, EPA
Sloane Stephens of the U.S. returns against Arantxa
Sloane Stephens of the U.S. returns against Arantxa Rus of the Netherland's during their first-round match at the French Open.  Michel Euler, AP
Japan's Kei Nishikori returns to France's Maxime Janvier.
Japan's Kei Nishikori returns to France's Maxime Janvier.  Christophe Ena, AP
The shoes of France's Maxime Janvier as he serves to
The shoes of France's Maxime Janvier as he serves to Japan's Kei Nishikori.  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Italy's Sara Errani eyes the ball as she plays against
Italy's Sara Errani eyes the ball as she plays against France's Alize Cornet.  Alessandra Tarantino, AP
France's Gael Monfils return to compatriot Elliot Benchetrit.
France's Gael Monfils return to compatriot Elliot Benchetrit.  Eric Feferberg, AFP/Getty Images
Elina Svitolina of Ukraine reacts during her match
Elina Svitolina of Ukraine reacts during her match against Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia.  Christophe Petit Tesson, EPA
Japan's Kurumi Nara reacts after a point against Czech
Japan's Kurumi Nara reacts after a point against Czech Republic's Barbora Strycova,  Christophe Simon, AFP/Getty Images
Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia in action against Elina
Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia in action against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine.  Christophe Petit Tesson, EPA
Jared Donaldson of the USA in action against Nicolas
Jared Donaldson of the USA in action against Nicolas Jarry of Chile.  Caroline Blumberg, EPA
France's Alize Cornet plays a forehand return to Italy's
France's Alize Cornet plays a forehand return to Italy's Sara Errani.  Christophe Archambault, AFP/Getty Images

Like this topic? You may also like these photo galleries:

    Replay
    Autoplay
    Show Thumbnails
    Show Captions