Rafael Nadal wins 5th French Open title by beating Robin Soderling, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4

Nadal beats Soderling for 5th French title

PARIS — Rafael Nadal has reclaimed his crown as the King of Clay.

Chasing down shots all over the court, the relentless Spaniard won his fifth French Open title Sunday and avenged his lone Roland Garros defeat, beating Robin Soderling (Soh’-der-ling) 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

Nadal improved to 38-1 at Roland Garros, with the only loss to Soderling in the fourth round a year ago.

Seeded No. 2, Nadal won seven consecutive games midway through the match and held every serve, saving all eight break points he faced. He became the second man to win the French Open at least five times, and next year he’ll have a chance to match Bjorn Borg’s record of six titles.

Soderling finished as the runner-up for the second year in a row.