Rafael Nadal Of Spain Wins Eighth French Open Title After Defeating David Ferrer

Rafael Nadal came away the victor of the men's singles match in the French Open, becoming the first to win the same grand slam title eight times. Though the game was peppered with bizarre incidents, like a shirtless male protester wearing a mask and intermittent drizzles, Nadal was able to maintain his composure and best David Ferrer. Both men facing off in the Open are from Spain.

Nadal's Sunday victory is his 12 grand slam overall, CNN reported. He spent eight months away from the game recovering from a knee injury prior to the Open, returning only to the ATP in February. Nadal also boosted his record at Roland Garros, 59-1. His only loss at the arena was in 2008 to Robin Soderling in the fourth round, USA Today reported.

He has played in nine tournaments since his return, winning seven and making it to the final in each that he lost. He impressed crowds with his defeat of the world's No. 1 Novak Djokovi in the semifinal match. He held off his opponent 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3-7), 9-7 in a match that went on for almost five hours. During the Ferrer match -- where the 31-year-old Ferrer was playing his first major final -- Nadal got a run for his money, though Ferrer could not manage to overpower him, BBC Sports reported.

After much back-and-forth play, with the lead being passed by the two players, Nadal managed to break through, taking the lead at 5-3 before falling to the clay in celebration of his victory. It was a characteristic win of Nadal's after Ferrer has lost his first set of the tournament, with Nadal being 146-3 in matches where he's won the first set.

"It's one of the most special ones," Nadal said. "In the last year I have had some low moments but without my family I would not have done this. Without my physio I could not have done this. I never realized something like this could happen for me."

Usain Bolt of Olympic sprining stardom presented Nadal with his trophy after looking on from the VIP box. Ferrer appeared disappointed by the outcome, but praised his opponent afterward for his superior showing.

"I enjoyed the two weeks here. I congratulate Rafa, he's the best," he said. "But I will try my best to have another chance to play in a final and win a grand slam. This tournament is very special to me."

As for the protester who ran onto the field, coming within a few feet of Nadal, he was promptly tackled and escorted off the premises. He was allegedly protesting France's new same-sex marriage legislation.