Rafael Nadal defied David Ferrer as well as a worrying security breach to become the first man to capture the same Grand Slam title eight times on Sunday with victory in the French Open final.

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French Open '13: Nadal humbles Ferrer to win Men's title

Rafael Nadal defied David Ferrer as well as a worrying security breach to become the first man to capture the same Grand Slam title eight times on Sunday with victory in the French Open final. (Getty Images)

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Nadal claimed his 12th major with a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win over his Spanish compatriot who was playing in his first Grand Slam final at the age of 31 and at the 42nd time of asking.(Getty Images)

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It also gave Nadal his 59th win out of 60 matches played in Paris.(Getty Images)

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However, the 27-year-old's push to victory suffered a heart-stopping moment when a protestor, naked from the waist up, leapt from the stands on Court Philippe Chatrier, carrying a flare and protesting France's controversial same sex marriage law.(Getty Images)

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The protestor, who was wrestled away by security staff, came within just a few feet of the Spaniard as he prepared to serve at 5-1 in the second set. A burly security official immediately came to Nadal's aid in front of the VIP box where Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt and Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio were watching.(Getty Images)

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The drama, however, didn't alter the outcome as Nadal claimed his seventh title of 2013 after returning to the tour in February following a seven-month injury lay-off.(Getty Images)

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"Thanks to everyone in my family and team. Without their support, especially when I was out of action, this would have been impossible," said Nadal.(Getty Images)

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"Thanks also to everyone who sent me messages on Twitter and Facebook. They all gave me positive energy for today."(Getty Images)

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Ferrer had raced through the first game to love, but it was the champion who broke first for 2-1 when his compatriot unleashed a wild forehand.(Getty Images)

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Ferrer, showing all the attributes which gave the nickname of 'bloodhound', was level in the next game at 2-2 and with both sluggers evenly matched, it was going to take something out of the top drawer to settle the opening set.(Getty Images)

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