Rafael Nadal has achieved his impossible dream when he made history as an eight-time French Open champion, after battling to salvage and re-launch his career during a seven-month injury lay-off. The Spanish champion wept as he watched the Spanish flag being hoisted above Roland Garros after his 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win over compatriot David Ferrer had made him the first man to win the same Grand Slam title eight times.

"Five months ago nobody [on] my team dreamed about [a] comeback like this," ... "But here we are today, and that's really fantastic and incredible."