Updated: June 10, 2013, 12:00 AM
In Pictures: Nadal makes it eight French Open wins
epa03737892 Rafael Nadal (R) of Spain hugs David Ferrer (L) of Spain after the men's final match for the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros in Paris, France, 09June 2013. EPA/IAN LANGSDON *** Local Caption *** 03737892.jpg
Nadal later was seen with the Spanish crown prince Felipe. Long before yesterday's all-Spanish final, the Mallorcan had become one of his country's greatest sporting icons. EPA
There were a few of distractions during the match at Roland Garros. One such incident included a protester making his way on to the court with a flare. He even headed towards Nadal before being caught by an official. Matthew Stockman / Getty Images
It was only a question of when rather than if Nadal would win the title. It eventually came after two hours and 16 minutes with the final scoreline reading 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Rafael Nadal was playing perhaps the most important grand slam final, in the context of the sport's history, and there were signs of nerves at the start. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Nadal served well throughout the match even though he dropped a game in the second set. No matter - he was still winning handily. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Also watching the match from the stands was Xisca Perello, Nadal's girlfriend, whose presence was typically low-profile, as in past finals involving the Spanish former world No 1. Clive Brunskill / Getty Images
Always a humble and simple man, the Spaniard did not forget to shake hands with ball boys after the presentation ceremony. An example for the younger generation, perhaps. Philippe Wojazer / Reuters
David Ferrer was playing in his first grand slam final and visibly nervous, too. The inexperience certainly did not help his cause even though he played as well as he possibly could. Vincent Kessler / Reuters
There were plenty of high-profile spectators in the stands ready to witness Nadal making history, including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, the Hollywood star. Gonzalo Fuentes / Reuters
Another distraction came in the form of rain. There was even the possibility of the match being postponed to today. Spectators, however, came prepared. Stephane Mahe / Reuters
The 31-year-old Ferrer was beginning to lose steam as he could not find a way to break Nadal's serve. Gonzalo Fuentes / Reuters