Rafael Nadal continued to show why he is the French Open king at the weekend after defeating Dominic Thiem in straight sets on Sunday.

The victory means the Spaniard not only retains his title, but claims his 11th French Open winner’s medal in 14 years.

That record is impressive to say the least and certainly puts him into the record books.

So impressive, it has even prompted fellow tennis great Roger Federer to dish the praise on his rival.

The Swiss sat out the French Open after choosing to focus on preparations for the likes of Wimbledon as the grass-court season edges ever closer, something he also did this time last year.

Federer can also overtake Nadal at the top of the ATP rankings if he claims three victories in the Stuttgart Open this week.

Despite a tense week ahead for both title chasers, Federer put rivalries aside as he congratulated Nadal on Sunday’s win which sees him top the standings by 100 points.

“This is an extra motivation [becoming the world No 1],” said Federer via the Metro.

“We can only bow to each other and congratulate each other. Incredible.

“Absolutely only the superlatives remain there. To win a tournament at all 11 times is almost unthinkable.”

Federer then went on to give a fitness update ahead of the Stuttgart Open and discusses the danger world number three Alexander Zverev poses going in to the tournament:

“The holidays were wonderful. I had no setbacks, so I’m fit.

“I think he (Zverev) learned a lot from the three five-set matches he played in Paris.

“I expect a lot from him in the coming months. With such a markup and good returns that he has, there’s always something possible.”

It will be a nervy week for Federer as he aims take the top spot away from Nadal but it seems the favourite has a real chance to do so.