Nadal soaks in "La Undecima" achievement

For most players, winning multiple Grand Slams, or even just one, is an unbelievable dream. For Rafael Nadal, winning one eleven times is his reality. Last year, much was made of his "La Decima" feat at Roland Garros, but now it has been changed to "La Undecima."

On Monday, the tournament presented Nadal with a gift, two hands with 11 fingers and the slogan, "11 is supernatural."

"Well, for me it's difficult to explain because it becomes a little bit natural, no?" Nadal said. "Yes, is true that in my career, I achieved much more than what I ever dreamed. But at the same time, in the other hand, it's true that I went through tough moments, a lot of times in terms of injuries.

"So coming back and have the chance to win in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, and now especially here, yeah, it's very emotional for me."

Facing a challenge from the only man to beat him on clay in the past two year, Nadal asserted his authority at Roland Garros once more by defeating Dominic Thiem in straight sets on Sunday.

Though Thiem may be the apparent heir to Nadal’s King of Clay throne, the Spaniard picked up Slam No. 17 and improved to an 86-2 lifetime record at Roland Garros.

The world No. 1 was emotional, celebrating his special, record-breaking achievement with his legions of fans and supporters.

He got to hoist the Coupe de Mousquetaires for the eleventh time, after having won his eleventh titles earlier this season in both Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

With his successful French Open title defense, Nadal will remain at No. 1 in the ATP rankings, just 100 points ahead of Roger Federer.