French Open 2014: Winners, Results and Analysis After This Year's Tournament

In the end, it was Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal who reigned supreme as champions at the 2014 French Open. Nadal culminated a dominant performance at this year's tournament with a four-set victory over Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final.

Maria Sharapova shook off her seventh seed and fought her way to the title on the women's side.

She beat Simona Halep in her fourth straight three-set match to capture her second French Open title and fifth Grand Slam.

Here's what the championship means to this year's winners.

The King of Clay

Darko Vojinovic/Associated Press

Some might debate Rafa's place amongst the all-time greats, but is there any more doubt that he's the greatest clay-court player ever?

Chris Chase of USA Today doesn't think so. Chase wrote:

"

No matter what, Nadal’s legacy as the greatest clay-court player is written. At least, he’ll finish with nine French Opens. Barring injury, he’ll be the overwhelming favorite to win No. 10 next year and more beyond that.

"

By capturing his fifth straight win at Roland Garros, and his ninth overall, he stands alone in excellence on the French red stuff.

Throughout this year's run, Nadal left little doubt who would hoist the trophy on championship Sunday. He lost just two sets and only allowed an opponent to win more than three games in five sets.

If that's not dominance, there's no real definition of the word.

Hard-Fought Win

Michel Euler/Associated Press

So Victoria Azarenka wasn't there, and Serena Williams had another of her inexplicable French Open moments. That shouldn't take away from Sharapova's title.

She had to overcome a lot to win her first Grand Slam since she won the French Open in 2012. 

A shoulder injury forced her to miss the U.S. Open in 2013, and the recovery wasn't exactly smooth.

This win is a huge momentum builder for Sharapova heading into Wimbledon. Per the Associated Press (via Sports Illustrated), Sharapova said this after her championship-winning performance on Saturday: "Wimbledon is right around the corner, and that's what I'll be working for."

Winning at the All England Club will undoubtedly be tough. Williams will be determined to shine on her best surface after a disappointing performance in France.

We'll see if Sharapova can keep the ball rolling.