Years pass, injuries multiply and the pain increases, but to Roland Garros, the Spanish "warrior" Rafael Nadal remains the crowned champion: two days after having celebrated his 36 years, the Matador crossed the statistical line by winning his 14th title on Parisian dirt, bringing his Grand Slam record to 22.
"I don't know what I would have done about the injuries without the team, my family and everyone around me," said Nadal, who was thrilled with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 win over Norway's Casper Rudd.
I never thought, I would be here at 36, to be competitive again. Being here means a lot to me in the most important stage of my career. It helps me to continue.
"For me, playing here is amazing," said Nadal, who needed two hours and 18 minutes to win. It's amazing. I don't know what could happen in the future, but I'm going to keep fighting to try to keep going."
There are three definite things in life: death, taxes and Nadal's victory at Roland-Garros, where the 36-year-old champion and the greatest crowned champion in the history of Paris brought his victory on the famous red brick to 112 against only three defeats in 17 years.