PARIS, June 5 (UPI) -- Rafael Nadal claimed his sixth French Open title and second in two years Sunday, besting Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7-3), 5-7, 6-1 at Roland Garros.
Nadal joined Bjorn Borg as the only man to ever win six French Open crowns with the victory. It marked the fourth time in six years the Spaniard has defeated the Swiss superstar for the Paris title.
Federer started the match strong by building a 5-2 lead in the first set, but Nadal then essentially put the contest away by winning the next seven straight games.
The Spaniard improved to 17-8 all-time against Federer and claimed his 10th Grand Slam title. His only two loses in Grand Slam title matches have come at Wimbledon against Federer.
The third-seeded Federer, meanwhile, had reached the finals by defeating red-hot Novak Djokovic Friday in the semis, but could advance no further, falling a bit short in his bid for a 17th major championship.
