French Open champion Rafael Nadal urges positivity in fight against coronavirus

Rafael Nadal sent a message of positivity in the fight against coronavirus after defeating Novak Djokovic to claim a 13th French Open title.

The Spaniard lost just seven games in a straight-sets victory, taking the match 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to win the title at Roland Garros without dropping a set for the fourth time.

In victory, Nadal won his 20th Grand Slam title to join Roger Federer at the top of the men's all-time list, with Djokovic three behind at 17.

Though the outbreak of Covid-19 has seen sporting events across the world competed behind closed doors, Nadal was able to celebrate his historic title in front of 1000 fans in Paris - and he used his post-match speech to insist the battle against the virus will eventually be won.

"I want to send a message to everyone around the world," Nadal said on Eurosport. "We are facing one of the worst moments that I think we remember in this world facing and fighting against this virus.

"Just keep going, stay positive and all the very best. Together, we will go through this and we will win [against] the virus soon."

The victory marks the end of a difficult year for Nadal: he was knocked out of the Australian Open by Dominic Thiem in the quarter-finals, with Wimbledon subsequently cancelled and the Spaniard then opting not to play in the US Open.

And though Nadal has again made history in drawing level with Federer's 20 Slams, the 34-year-old insisted the record was not on his mind.

"It's been a very tough year, but to win here means everything to me," he said. "Today, I don't think about the 20th or equalling Roger on this great number, for me today is just a Roland Garros victory.

"Roland Garros means everything; I have had most of the most-important moments of my tennis career here. Thank you very, very much to everybody, to all of the organisation and to the crowd.

"Just playing here is a pure inspiration and the love I have with this city and this court is unforgettable."

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