In a highly anticipated match, two of the heavyweights of tennis faced off with the French Open Championship at stake. And much to the delight of tennis fans in Paris and around the world, the final did not disappoint as two warriors left everything on the court. But it was Rafael Nadal taking his ninth championship at Roland Garros with a 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4 victory.

In the first set, much like a heavyweight prize fight, both competitors felt each other out early while holding serve with relative ease. Finally, in the eighth game, Djokovic exposed the first chink in Nadal's service armor. On the strength of his backhand, he battled toe to toe at the baseline forcing two break points. Nadal would save both of them, but a relentless Djokovic forced another opportunity, one that the Serb exploited. Serving for the first set, Djokovic suddenly struggled with his first serve, giving Nadal chances to even the set. Some uncharacteristic errors off Nadal's racket, however, put the first set in Djokovic's pocket.

In the second set, the intensity picked up for the Spaniard, who looked to have broken through in the fifth game. But what appeared to be a winner for a Nadal break was overruled, evening the game at deuce. Nonetheless, with the crowd behind him, Nadal was not to be denied. The world No. 1 fought back for another opportunity, breaking through to 4-2, but he was unable to consolidate the break as the pair found themselves back on serve. The two champions remained there until Djokovic, serving to force a tiebreak, was unable to hold. With fist pumping, the Spaniard evened the match en route to the third set.

In that set, a downcast Djokovic appeared to be battling himself and quickly lost his serve.

Sensing a flagging opponent, Nadal pounced, bolting to a 3-0 lead in the set. Later, in a pivotal game, with Nadal up 4-2, the world no. 2 found his fight once more. Sensing the set would likely hinge on the game, Djokovic threw every weapon in his arsenal at the Spaniard. However, in a game in which the Serb slammed his racket onto the red clay, Nadal prevailed to go up 5-2. He went on to break the Djokovic serve to gain a 2-1 set advantage.

Djokovic later acknowledged his struggle in that set, “I started playing quite bad and didn't move as well. Struggled a little bit physically throughout that third set.”

The fourth set found a disheartened and seemingly ill Djokovic, seemingly hanging on to the match by a thread. Serving early in the set, Djokovic finally lost his serve to fall behind 2-4, placing the match on the Spaniard's racket. However, the pounding attack had finally caught up to Nadal as well. He appeared to favor his back. It reflected in his serve, and Djokovic was given new life, taking advantage with a break.

Drama unfolded as both players, battered by the physical play, fought to summon enough to reach the finish line. However, with both champions going well beyond a second wind, Nadal was aided by some sloppy Djokovic service points, including a double fault, to win another French Open championship.

An emotional Nadal commented afterwards, “I had a very emotional loss in Australia with my back. Today tennis gave me back what happened in Australia. For me, playing here in Roland Garros is just unforgettable, forever.”

Nadal remains the “King of Clay” with his ninth title in 10 years at Roland Garros. It is his 14th Grand Slam championship, tying Pete Sampras for second all-time among men behind Roger Federer. He improved his record at the French Open to 66-1.

In a match that may not have been the most polished the pair have played, it certainly was one of the more physical with utmost effort exhausted by both.

“I played at the maximum of my power, my strength, and my capability,” Djokovic said, “but Rafa was the best player on the court.”

The victory on Sunday certainly makes amends for what had been a disappointing clay season for Nadal, “Mentally I was down the last few months….I was able to find my feelings (today),” he asserted. With the victory, he will remain world No. 1.