Nadal runs down Borg supremacy

The first words to issue from a visibly emotional Rafael Nadal after his triumph at Roland Garros were reserved for his team: "This victory is for the people who support me day after day. It's a tournament that could not be more special to me," the world number one, who got the chance to retain that rank after Roger Federer reached the final at the expense of Novak Djokovic, said. "I'm very moved, very satisfied, and very happy."

Earlier, Federer had recalled an occasion when he had recorded a very similar score against Nadal, in the final at Miami, also over five sets. That Nadal, the 2005 version, was very different from the Nadal of today. He was barely an adult, and was still studying to be a champion ("I wouldn't like to go back three or four years; I don't know if I would have been prepared to do what I have done"). The Nadal of today devours records and minds while collating a résumé that brings him level with tennis' legends.

"For me, it is very special to equal Björn [Borg], but what is more important is winning Roland Garros," Nadal said. "I will continue to work to try to come back next year. It's very difficult to win this title, even more so six times. It's an honor to be compared to someone like Björn. I didn't set out to be the best player in history, but I'm very satisfied to be among this privileged group because, there's no point in deluding myself; I am."

During Sunday's match, a rain delay brought back ghosts of finals past. There have been many epic matches in which momentum has changed hands in the locker room. Jim Courier, who presented Nadal with the Coupe des Mousquetaires, may have remembered how, 20 years ago, when he was a set and a break down against Andre Agassi, everything changed after a spell in the players' area. The current USA Davis Cup captain won the title after listening to the advice of his coach, José Higueras, during a 10-minute pause insufficient for great tactical changes but long enough to turn the game.

Nadal went into the rain delay after letting a set point slip. When the players returned, Federer broke his serve, and a different game was born. Nadal fought back with the confidence gained after a difficult tournament: "I said a week ago I would put everything into trying to change the situation. I always try to approach things with the right attitude and I was able to play my best when I needed to. My mind was open to change and that makes winning even more special."

Federer mentioned the recommendations of his coaches during the break: "I listened to good advice from Severin [Luthi] and Paul [Annacone] but I didn't serve well in the tie-break and the rain made the playing conditions slower," the Swiss noted.

The near future of both great champions could not be further removed from ponderous courts. Nadal traveled by train to London on Monday to begin training on grass for Queen's. On the horizon, Wimbledon, the great objective of Federer and the Spaniard. "Although I have been successful on grass, it's a big change," said Nadal. "Winning Roland Garros means I will play with less pressure, but no less motivation."