Rafael Nadal: World no 1 sends classy message to French Open champion Simona Halep
RAFAEL NADAL sent a classy message to Simona Halep after her French Open triumph.
Following three Grand Slam final losses, Halep cracked the code by triumphing at Roland Garros with a stunning come-from-behind victory over Sloane Stephens on Saturday - 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Nadal, meanwhile, continued to underline his dominance in Paris, clinching his 11th French Open crown with a straight-sets win over Dominic Thiem.
The victory over the Austrian took him to within three of great rival Roger Federer’s Slam haul of 20.
And world No 1 Nadal congratulated Halep on her clay court success.
She deserve it. She's No 1 of the world. She's a hard worker
He said: “Yeah, was great, no? She's a great fighter.
“She’s one of the players on the women's tour with better movements on court. No doubt about it.
“It is nice that after the final that she lost last year with so many chances, having breaks in the second and in the third, I think, she was able to win a Grand Slam.
“She deserve it. She's No 1 of the world. She's a hard worker.”
Halep is expected to take a short break before refocussing her attentions on the grass court season.
Wimbledon begins on Monday, July 2.