Summary

  • Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4

  • Spaniard wins ninth French Open title - fifth in a row

  • He has 14 Grand Slam titles - same as Pete Sampras

  • * Denotes next server

  1. Postpublished at 14:08 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Jets fly over the courtImage source, AFP

    The two behemoths of the sport have entered the arena and are currently knocking up on what is another gorgeous day in the French capital. Boris Becker, Djokovic's coach, has donned a pair of Aviators for the afternoon, while Uncle Toni has opted for a white baseball cap and regulation shades.

  2. Get involvedpublished at 14:04 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Ben from Westminster: "Since 2011, Djokovic holds a 12-6 record against Nadal, 4-4 on clay however. For me its the greatest match up in sport. Djokovic in four sets to complete his career grand slam and join the greats!"

  3. Get involvedpublished at 14:04 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Gavin Harper:, external Rafael Nadal vs. Djokovic on clay. Does tennis get any better than this?

    Edward Kandel:, external Greatest rivalry definitely Federer v Nadal - dominated so many great finals of grand slams + two very different styles of play.

    John McEnerney:, external This rivalry is streets ahead of Fed/Rafa, these two will go the distance & more this will be a battle to the death.

  4. Mauresmo faces the presspublished at 14:04 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Amelie MauresmoImage source, Getty Images

    Amelie Mauresmo has been facing the media following her appointment as Andy Murray's coach and says she can help the British number one achieve his goals.

    "Andy contacted me a few weeks ago," she said. "We discussed the possibility, it was not something I was thinking of, then we talked a bit more about what we could do together, then we came up with the will on both sides to give it a shot.

    "He's looking for something different, but I'm looking to help him in his goals. For me, it's a challenge and I want to take it.

    "I'm not going to go into details now until we get to know each other, work together and talk about it at some point."

  5. Postpublished at 14:02 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Piers Newbery
    BBC Sport at Roland Garros

    "Do not worry, all eyes are now on the world's top two players as they line up against each other in what has become the match of the year, with Djokovic attempting once again to topple the mighty Nadal. But there's no denying that Murray has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons by announcing the news that Mauresmo will be his new coach, and she has just completed a packed media conference. Asked for her expectations of her new role - 'That's easy. To win Grand Slams'."

  6. Postpublished at 14:01 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    But if you're rooting for Djokovic to complete a career Grand Slam, there's plenty of reasons to start shaking those pom poms.

    The Serb has beaten Nadal in their four previous meetings, the most recent victory coming last month when the world number two won in three sets at the Italian Open final.

    But here comes the but: Nadal has won their last three Grand Slam meetings and all four of their previous encounters at Roland Garros, including last year's mammoth semi-final.

    Novak Djokovic
  7. Postpublished at 13:57 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Dear Novak, if you are (and I suspect you are) reading this live text commentary, it's probably best you look away now because Nadal's record in Paris would cause even a man stranded in the Sahara desert to salivate and drool. Here goes:

    - The Spaniard is hoping to become the first man in history to win a ninth French Open title at Roland Garros.

    - He is unbeaten at Roland Garros in 34 matches. Indeed, the world number one has only been beaten once in 65 matches.

    - Nadal - defeated just 15 times on clay in his career - has lost just 40 games on his way to today's final.

  8. Get involvedpublished at 13:53 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    There needs to be audience participation in this live text commentary so, just for fun: Is this the greatest rivalry in tennis history? No other duel has been repeated as many times in the Open Era. Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe 'only' managed 35 encounters, while Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras racked up 34 matches. You can tweet us using the hashtag #bbctennis, lob a text to 81111 or contact us on Facebook., external

  9. McEnroe tips Rafapublished at 13:51 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Seven-time Grand Slam champion John McEnroe has also put his money on Rafael Nadal to win this match and secure his 14th Grand Slam title.

    "I think Nadal is the favourite," said the American. "There's no doubt in my mind when you've won it eight times and you're still out there playing as well as he is for the most part. I think that Nadal is just chomping at the bit in a way, just waiting to get to this match.

    "He won't talk about it, but he's hearing that he's not the favourite. How could this guy not be the favourite? If you've won it eight times I would think you're feeling pretty good about yourself."

  10. Get involvedpublished at 13:48 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Monty Moncrieff:, external Intrigued & excited by the choice of Mauresmo (who I LOVE!) as Andy Murray's new coach. A modern Entente Cordiale!

  11. It's a thumbs up from Uncle Tonipublished at 13:47 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Worryingly for Novak Djokovic and his clan, Uncle Toni believes his protégé is playing some of the best tennis he has ever played on the red dirt of Roland Garros.

    Ever, ever, Toni? Are you sure? "Yes, ever, going back all the years we have been coming here," said the man regarded as Nadal's harshest critic.

    "I don't remember him playing better than he did in the semi against Andy Murray. I will admit one thing that is very simple. Rafael's game is at a wonderful level."

    Toni Nadal (left) with Rafael NadalImage source, Getty Images
  12. Postpublished at 13:44 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    On Friday evening Toni Nadal crossed paths with Judy Murray as he made his way to the locker rooms following his nephew's straight-sets thumping against Mother Murray's son. The Spaniard offered a kiss on the cheek before saying: "I'm sorry" - but Judy's response was to simply say: "No you're not. It's simply your boy was far too good."

    It's true. Nadal is good, but were a member of the Djokovic family to come face to face with Uncle Toni this evening, who will need to be consoled?

  13. Mauresmo on Murraypublished at 13:40 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Mauresmo has coached Frenchman Michael Llodra during the 2010 grass court season and coached Marion Bartoli to her Wimbledon victory last summer.

    The Frenchwoman says: "I'm really excited to be able to work with Andy. He's an amazingly talented tennis player and I feel I have plenty to offer both him and the team around him.

    "I'm looking forward to getting down to work and helping him win more Grand Slams."

  14. Murray appoints new coachpublished at 13:38 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    But news just in is that Andy Murray has appointed former women's world number one Amelie Mauresmo as his new coach.

    The 34-year-old is currently France's Fed Cup captain and will initially take up the role for the grass-court season.

    "I'm excited by the possibilities of the new partnership and Amelie is someone I have always looked up to and admired," says the Scot.

    Amelie MauresmoImage source, Getty Images

    Is this a good move by the Wimbledon champion? How will Mauresmo improve his game? Tweet us using the hashtag #bbctennis or text 81111.

  15. Postpublished at 13:35 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    Hello! Welcome to live text commentary of the men's French Open final. If you've made plans this afternoon it's probably best to reschedule because Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay, and the Grand Slam-chasing Novak Djokovic are about to being the 42nd edition of their racquet fight in a match which is loaded with significance.

  16. Postpublished at 13:30 British Summer Time 8 June 2014

    There's no end to some rivalries, they just go on and on. And on. Tom and Jerry have been scrapping since 1940, while Batman and the Joker have come back from the dead on countless occasions to resume a duel which has gripped millions. But why go through the pain and risk your standing and reputation? Maybe it's because on extraordinary rivalries greatness is built.

    Rafael Nadal and Novak DjokovicImage source, Getty Images