Rafael Nadal wrecked Roger Federer's dreams of completing a Grand Slam of major titles by triumphing in a four-set epic to claim a third straight French Open crown.
For a second successive year, the world number one was denied by the Spaniard at the final hurdle at Roland Garros, second seed Nadal recording a 6-3 4-6 6-3 6-4 win in three hours 10 minutes on Philippe Chatrier court.
Nadal, who also beat Federer in the 2005 semi-final here, becomes the first player since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to win the French Open three years on the trot.
And the 21-year-old king of clay keeps his extraordinary unbeaten streak at Roland Garros going - he is yet to be defeated at the Parisian grand slam since making his debut here in 2005.
Federer had his chances throughout the match, but a damning statistic of just one successful break in 17 attempts tells its own story.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article