Rafael Nadal clinched a record seventh French Open title yesterday, defeating world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 and shattering the Serb's dream of grand slam history.

In a fractious final pushed into a third week for only the second time because of Sunday's rain, the Spanish world No. 2, playing in his 16th grand slam final, also took his Paris record to a staggering 52 wins against just one loss.

Victory, which was achieved on a Djokovic double fault, allowed him to break the tie for six French Opens he shared with Bjorn Borg.

It was the 26-year-old's 11th grand slam title, taking him one behind Roy Emerson, three off Pete Sampras and five away from the record of 16 held by Roger Federer.

For five-time major winner Djokovic, the Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion, it was the end of his dream of emulating Don Budge (1938) and Rod Laver (1962 and 1969) by holding all the grand slams at once. He was left to regret his unforced error count of 53 which undermined his challenge.

"For me it's a real honor, this tournament is the most special and for me to have this trophy is unforgettable, it's probably one of the greatest moments in my career," said Nadal, who needed just 49 minutes to complete victory.

Djokovic, who had won the pair's epic Australian Open final this year, admitted that Nadal had been the better player.

"Rafa was better. He is a great player but I hope to come back next year and do better," said the Serb, playing in his first Roland Garros final.

After Sunday's suspension, the players, meeting in a fourth successive grand slam final, had resumed with Nadal leading 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 1-2, but with Djokovic in the ascendancy and serving for a 3-1 lead in the fourth set.

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