Federer lauds Nadal for matching his record

Swiss tennis star Roger Federer saw his men’s record haul of 20 grand slam singles titles equalled by Rafael Nadal on Sunday and was quick to offer his congratulations to the Spaniard. Nadal crushed Serbia’s world number one Novak Djokovic 6-0 6-2 7-5 to claim a 13th French Open title and move level with Federer for the first time in his career. “I have always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion,” tweeted Federer, who already owned four grand slam titles when Nadal won his maiden French Open title in 2005. “As my greatest rival over many years, I believe we have pushed each other to become better players. Therefore it is a true honor for me to congratulate him on his 20th Grand Slam victory.” Nadal, 34, has lost only two matches at the French Open, racking up his 100th win in Paris on Sunday. “It is especially amazing that he has now won Roland Garros an incredible 13 times, which is one of the greatest achievements in sport. I also...