Mathews made his T20 comeback for Sri Lanka in January after a three-year gap
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The 24-year-old Spaniard looks to be back to the level he reached in 2008 when he was invincible on the red dust of Roland Garros, and on Wimbledon’s grass, and after a 6-4 6-2 6-4 defeat of Sweden’s Robin Soderling he spoke of his feelings of relief.
Nadal broke down in tears after sprawling on the court when Soderling’s errant backhand ended their two hour 18 minute contest as the emotions of the past 12 months poured out.
“Relief, joy. Joy certainly,” Nadal told reporters as he sat next to the Coupe des Mousquetaires that only Bjorn Borg has won more times. “It was a great personal satisfaction because of my family, my team, myself, all those who helped me be back.
“All tournaments I win give me huge satisfaction but winning a grand slam tournament here in Paris after I lost last year, because I was not well prepared and I had very low morale, is extra special.
“I’m back and I win. Maybe this is the tournament I most wanted to win.”
Nadal said he arrived in Roland Garros a little anxious after last year’s crushing defeat in Paris by Soderling began a near 12-month title drought which he ended in Monte Carlo.
“I was slightly more nervous than usual. I went through difficult moments,” he said. “I’ve told you 100 times, but that was a difficult year for me the last year. After this tournament last year it was very difficult and I worked a lot to be here.
“I was very nervous during all the tournament because I knew before that I was ready to try to win another time. Luckily I did and today was a very special day.”
Nadal will replace Roger Federer as world number one on Monday but he did not want to dwell on that. On Sunday, he simply wanted to celebrate another Roland Garros crown after a dazzling fortnight in which, like in 2008, he did not drop a set.
“Today I felt great physically,” Nadal, who was watched by Queen Sofia of Spain, said. “I felt perfect mentally. My movement was much better than the rest of the tournament. I am very happy how I played today, I played with very good tactics.
“I love this place with all my heart, because it gave me so much joy. Winning here in Paris is ever so special.
“It’s a huge pleasure. I’m very lucky, and I was very fortunate in life to have had the opportunity of experiencing all this at the age of 24.
“Never in my wildest dream would I have dreamt of such beautiful presents. Life has been very kind to me.”
Mathews made his T20 comeback for Sri Lanka in January after a three-year gap
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