Year 2010 has been better than 2009: Nadal

Spain's Rafael Nadal after defeating Sweden's Robin Soderlingu00a0 in the French Open final at the Roland Garros yesterday. PIC/AFP

Nadal was simply too powerful on clay for the Swede who 12 months ago ended the Spaniard's 31-match, four titles win streak in Paris in stunning fashion with a four sets, fourth round triumph.

High-five
The win, Nadal's fifth here since 2005, put him second on the all-time list of French Open winners, one behind Bjorn Borg whose last title here came in 1981. He is now 38-1 in matches played at Roland Garros.

It was also the second time he had won the French Open title without dropping a set, having first achieved that feat in 2008.

For Soderling it was another cruel finish to the tournament having defeated top seed and title-holder Roger Federer in the quarter-finals. Last year he beat top seed and title-holder Nadal, but lost to Federer in the final.

"It was a very difficult match. Last year it was a difficult final but this time I could play longer, move him out wide and my movement was much better," Nadal said

"It was a difficult year in 2009 because of my knee problems and my parents divorced. This year is very different."

"I was a little bit down, but now I want to enjoy this. It's a very emotional day."

Soderling said: "Today wasn't my best match, but he played so well."

"Rafa always plays kind of the same. He has one game, but he does it so well.

"In the beginning I was unlucky and had a few break chances and didn't take them, but I don't think it would have changed anything.

"He definitely has the chance to stay number one for a long time if he continues to play like this."

A morning storm chased away the sweltering temperatures that marked Saturday's women's final, cool, overcast conditions greeted the two men yesterday.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!