Rafael Nadal clinched his 14th French Open title and a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam trophy after beating Casper Ruud 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the final of the tournament, here on Sunday.
After Nadal's historic win, former Indian cricketers Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Ravi Shastri and South African cricket legend Ab de Villiers congratulated the 36-year-old tennis great for his remarkable achievement.
Spanish football giants Real Madrid too tweeted a message of congratulations for Nadal, who is a big fan of the club himself.
"Congratulations on this historic feat, @RafaelNadal. It's an honour being able to enjoy a great madridista and honorary club member as the best tennis player of all-time. Congratulations on your 22nd Grand Slam, your 14th @rolandgarros title, without doubt a magic number in 2022."
"To go out there and win a record 14th @rolandgarros & 22nd Grand Slam at the age of 36 is an incredible achievement. Congratulations @RafaelNadal!," Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri termed Nadal as a modern day 'Hercules' while Virendra Sehwag said that the Spaniard is the 'King of Clay'.
"A modern day Hercules who just will not melt in the hottest Claypot. Starts favourite to make it 15 only. Just insane. Salute forever @RafaelNadal @rolandgarros #Nadal #FrenchOpen," he said.
"King of clay. What a Champion. NADAL, Number 14 at #RolandGarros," Sehwag said.
By earning a 22nd Grand Slam crown, the Spaniard has moved further clear of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in the Grand Slam race, with the Serbian and Swiss tied on 20 major titles.
It is the first time Nadal has won the Australian Open and Roland Garros trophies in the same season and he is now level with countryman Carlos Alcaraz on a Tour-leading four titles in 2022 after improving to 112-3 at the clay-court major.
(With IANS Inputs)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)