Rafael Nadal defeated Dominic Thiem 6-3 5-7 6-1 6-1 at the French Open to become the first player to win the same grand slam 12 times.
Nadal also downed the Austrian a year ago but Sunday's clash was closer -- or at least the first two sets.
The 33-year-old cruised in the last two and collected his 18th major to pull within two of Roger Federer for the first time.
It was the third straight season Thiem had downed Nadal in the buildup but lost to the Mallorcan at Roland Garros.
His task was always going to be difficult, given Nadal's record in Paris and also ending the tournament playing four straight days due to rain impacting the schedule on his half of the draw.
Thiem played three hours Saturday, completing a five-set win over world No.1 Novak Djokovic, but could not find his way past the remarkable Nadal in the final.
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