Rafael Nadal returned to Paris’ Roland Garros as a rejuvenated, more complete player — winning the French Open title after a year hiatus, for a record setiing fifth time.

The relentless Spaniard reclaimed his crown as the King of Clay, avenging his lone French Open defeat by beating Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

“It’s the most emotional day in my career,” Nadal told the crowd in French during the trophy ceremony.

His bad memories of 2009 included not only an upset loss to Soderling at Roland Garros, but the separation of his parents and knee tendinitis that contributed to a prolonged slump.

The victory ended his longest Grand Slam drought since winning his first major title at Roland Garros in 2005. Rafael Nadal won all 21 sets on his way to his fifth French Open championship. Seeded No. 2, Nadal won with dogged defense, chasing down shots all over the court. He swept seven consecutive games midway through the match and held every serve, saving all eight break points he faced.Nadal improved to 38-1 at Roland Garros, with the only loss to Soderling in the fourth round a year ago.

“I played my best match against you,” Nadal told the big-swinging Swede during the trophy ceremony. “If not, it’s going to be impossible to beat you.”

Nadal became the second man to win the French Open at least five times, and next year he’ll have a chance to match Bjorn Borg’s record of six titles.With the victory, Nadal will also reclaim the No. 1 ranking Monday, supplanting Roger Federer.

Soderling, who has yet to win a major title, finished as the runner-up for the second year in a row. In 2009 he lost in the final to Federer.

When Soderling’s final shot landed in the net, Nadal slid onto his back, threw up his fists and rose, shaking from his hair the clay he loves. When he sat down, he began to cry.

“I faced in the final an extremely tough opponent,” Nadal said. “We played at a high level. Now I’m very happy.”Nadal improved to 22-0 this year on clay and now switches to grass, where he’ll seek a second Wimbledon title after missing last year’s tournament because of his knee trouble.

For the second time in three years, Nadal won all 21 sets en route to the Roland Garros championship. Only two other men in the Open era have won the title without losing a set, Borg and Ilie Nastase.