Paris: Rafael Nadal coped with an on-court intruder and the Paris rain to beat fellow Spaniard David Ferrer and win a record eighth French Open title.

Nadal, 27, came through 6-3 6-2 6-3 to reaffirm his dominance on clay, and further elevate himself among the greats of the sport.

“I am very happy, very emotional,” he said. “It is a very important victory for me.”

However, the final was interrupted by a brief protest high in the stands during the second set that was quickly followed by an intruder leaping onto the court while brandishing a flare.Security guards managed to bundle the man to the ground as he approached Nadal, and the player even took care to shake an officials hand before returning to the action.