Nadal Still King of Clay

Rafa Nadal beat old foe Roger Federer in four sets to notch up a record equalling sixth French Open title, his 10th Grand Slam in all. The Spaniard, who remains world number one after Novak Djokovic exited at the semi-final stage, triumphed 7-5 7-6 (7-3) 5-7 6-1. Federer had shown his fighting qualities by recovering from two sets and a break down to give Nadal a scare. Having won the third set from behind, the comeback looked well and truly on when the Swiss went 0-40 up on his opponent’s serve at the start of the fourth. But that was as good as it got for Federer when Nadal upped his level once again to show why he has a remarkable 45-1 win/loss record at Roland Garros.

Nadal now begins his preparations for Wimbledon where he will begin as favourite, currently at a best price of 9/4 with Betfred. Federer will have to plenty to say about the destination of that crown at 5/2 with Coral. The 16-time Grand Slam champion has been victorious at SW19 on six occasions. However, Nadal broke his dominance there in 2008 and after missing the following year through injury, won again in 2010. Novak Djokovic can’t compete with those Wimbledon statistics but having suffered his one and only defeat of the year in Paris, heads to London as a 7/2 shot with Boylesports. British hope Andy Murray is 9/1 with VictorChandler.

In the women’s tournament in Paris, Li Na became the first ever Chinese winner of a Grand Slam singles title, defeating defending champion Francesca Shiavone in straight sets. Her Wimbledon odds have tumbled to a best price 8/1 with totesport.