The Spaniard coped better in the searing heat to take a record fifth successive title in Paris, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 in three hours and 31 minutes.

The win ensured Nadal became the first man ever to win a major title nine times, taking his Grand Slam total to 14.

"In matches like this every moment is crucial," he said after the match.

"Playing against Novak is always a big challenge, I had lost against him the last four times.

"I feel sorry for him today, he deserves to win this tournament."

The loss is a third at the hands of Nadal in the French Open final for Djokovic as the Serbian continues to chase his one missing Grand Slam title.

"Congratulations to Rafa and his team, it is incredible to win this tournament nine times," Djokovic said.

"It was an emotional day.

"I have tried with all my power, my strength, my capacities but Rafa was the strongest on court."

The win gives Rafael Nadal his ninth French Open title in the past 10 years with a single loss coming at the hands of Robin Söderling in 2009 ©Getty Images



Nadal's dominance in Paris looked to be faltering in the first set as his usually fearsome forehand let him down, with five errors handing Djokovic the set.

Djokovic, it should be noted, has never lost a final where he has won the first set.

That is until today, as Nadal finally made his move when he broke for 4-2 in the second set.

Djokovic levelled, but with Nadal at 6-5 on service, the outcome looked assured as the Serbian pushed a forehand wide for set point before Nadal smacked a forehand winner to level the score.

The loss was a big one for Djokovic with an air of deflation hanging over the court from then on.

This mood would not to be shifted as Djokovic crashed a simple volley into the net for break point in the second game.

With that, he slumped in his chair at the changeover as if ill.

He forced a break point of his own at 1-3 but could do nothing with it, and by 2-4 his frustration boiled over as he dropped his racquet to the clay.

Nadal scented victory from here as he powered through to take the set, leaving Djokovic staring in disbelief at coach Boris Becker in the stands.

It looked all over in the fourth when Nadal broke for 4-2 but, astonishingly, the world number two showed signs of launching a renewed assault, pulling the match to 4-5.

The respite was not to last long, however, as a terrific backhand pass helped Nadal to match point and Djokovic, disrupted by a call from the crowd, fired his second serve long to leave Nadal on his knees in his familiar celebratory pose.

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