Rafael Nadal saw off the determined challenge of
Mariano Puerta to emerge victorious in the French Open final on Sunday.
Nadal, who celebrated his 19th birthday on Friday with a last-four defeat of
world number one Roger Federer, just held the edge over Puerta and, despite
losing the first set on a tie-break, came through 6-7 (6/8) 6-3 6-1 7-5 to claim
his first Grand Slam crown.
The final hinged on a pulsating game late in the fourth set.
Puerta broke to lead 5-4 and had the opportunity to serve to take the match
into a decider.
But, following a string of wonderful rallies, Nadal hit back to level at 5-5.
Puerta, on the comeback trail after serving a nine-month drugs suspension,
appeared deflated and had no answer as Nadal held before breaking again to seal
the match.
After being presented with the trophy by Real Madrid's former France
midfielder Zinedine Zidane, Nadal said: "This is incredible, this is my dream
coming true.
"I would like to thank the king and queen of Spain for coming here as well as
all the people who have supported me the past two weeks. Without them I could
not have managed.
"I would also like to congratulate Mariano for his achievements here.
"It was an unbelievable match and I had to play my best tennis.
"I thought I was going to lose after he won the first set, I really thought
he could win.
"Tomorrow I fly to Halle to prepare for Wimbledon.
"I like grass a lot even if I don't play my best tennis on the surface and I
want to improve."
Puerta said: "There are so many things to say that I don't know where to
start.
"Congratulations to Rafael who is a fantastic player.
"I may not have won the tournament but it is just fantastic for me to be
here."
With his victory, Nadal becomes the first man to win on his Roland Garros debut since Mats Wilander in 1982.
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