Rafael Nadal became the first man ever to win seven French Open titles, as he defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5 in their rain-delayed final at Roland Garros.

The Spaniard, who has now surpassed Bjorn Borg, had trailed 2-1 in the fourth set when they resumed following Sunday night's suspension but he immediately retrieved the break and clinched victory when Djokovic double-faulted.

The world number one had been bidding to become the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four grand slam trophies at once following three successive victories over Nadal, but this time the king of clay turned the tables.

At the end of the match Djokovic's resistance crumbled and he ended the match on a double fault, with Nadal sinking to his knees on the clay as he savoured the historic moment.