Tennis: Spaniard takes landmark French crown

Rafael NADAL believes his sixth French Open title was the most special of them all because of the trials and tribulations he had to go through to claim it.

The Spaniard defeated Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 6-1 yesterday to equal Bjorn Borg's record of Roland Garros crowns and ensure he will be the world No.?1 going into Wimbledon.

Nadal won last year's tournament without dropping a set but it was very different from the start this time as he battled back from two sets to one down against John Isner in round one and struggled through the rest of the first week. The 25-year-old found his game when he needed to but was given a stern examination by great rival Federer, who showed he is far from a fading force.

"To win this kind of title is always satisfying. But sometimes when you fight a lot to win, when you try your best in every moment to change the situation, it makes the title more special.

"For example, in 2008 I think I played better than ever, but I finished the tournament and I didn't feel that I won Roland Garros because I won in three sets every round." Federer had lost three previous finals to Nadal at Roland Garros, the last of which in 2008 saw him win only four games, but his performance against Novak Djokovic on Friday was one of his best ever on clay and he came out fighting yesterday, but it was not enough. "I thought Rafa played well," said the Swiss. "I think he dug deep to come back in the first set and get himself into the match. And also the second set. It was tough all the way through."