Everyone is used to seeing Rafael Nadal dominate the clay-court season, particularly in Paris. For most of his straight-set win over Dominic Thiem in the Roland Garros final, he did just that.

But in the third set, comfortably ahead by a break at 2-1, something unusual happened—Nadal's left hand cramped. It was a scary moment for him, and his many supporters in Paris.

"It was the best match tournament of me. It was important because Dominic is a very aggressive player. I had a tough moment in the third set when I got cramp in my hand," Nadal said. "I was very scared. But that is sport."

The few moments of drama, complete with a doctor visit and arm massages, may have been the most surprising part of the one-sided final. To be completely fair, Nadal also needed five match points to close out the 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 win.

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It marks Nadal's record-setting 11th Roland Garros crown, a stunning feat. It also shows that even the greatest athletes and champions can suffer from unexpected cramps, even in the most important stages of a competition.

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The 31-year-old now holds 17 Grand Slam titles, just three behind Roger Federer.

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Thiem was playing in his first career Grand Slam final.