EIGHT. OCHO. HUIT.

Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay,  wins an historic 8th Roland Garros title by defeating David Ferrer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3.  Rafa has an unpressidented 59-1 record on the dirt in Paris with his only loss (2009) coming from the racquet of hard-hitting Robin Soderling.

This was David Ferrer’s first grand slam final at the ripe age of 31. He was admittedly nervous, and it showed. Ferrer had not dropped a set on his road to the final yet goes out in straights. But up against Rafa’s determination and experience in grand slam finals, did Ferrer really ever stand a chance?

Today Nadal added to an already impressive resume collecting his 12th grand slam title. He’s now tied with Roy Emerson and only behind Pete Sampras (14) and Roger Federer (17) .

So Nadal marches on, right over his fellow Spaniard known as “The Little Beast” and he keeps collecting Coupe des Mousquetaires trophies. Rafael Nadal may reside in Spain, but he clearly has a house in Paris as well.