Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has an impeccable record at the French Open. Nadal has won 100 matches at Roland Garros and has lost only two games in his glorious career after he made a fine debut back in 2005 in the tournament. However, Nadal is not taking things for granted in the upcoming French Open.
Nadal is entering the tournament high on confidence after winning his 12th Barcelona Open title and 10th Italian Open title. However, Nadal was beaten in Monte Carlo and Madrid Open.
Nadal will be looking to clinch his 14th French Open title, which will take his slam tally to 21 and he will overtake Roger Federer’s record if he goes all the way in the competition.
“No-one is invincible, anywhere,” said Nadal.. “This year I lost (early) in Monte Carlo and Madrid. I hope not to lose here at Roland Garros. What I can do is fight,” he added.
Nadal added that he didn’t expect himself to be playing in his mid-30s.
“Ten years ago, no. But if you had asked me the question two years ago, maybe I would have answered yes.”
“Ten years ago, I had so many physical problems that it was difficult for me to imagine that my career would last so long,” added the Spaniard.
Nadal is known to give his best on the court and he added that he will keep on fighting in the upcoming French Open. The lefty added that the tournament is very special to him.
“Roland Garros is a very special place for me,” said Nadal. “But favourite or not, that is not the question. What matters is to play well, and the one who plays the best will be whoever has the most chances of winning the tournament. My goal is to be the one who plays the best,” he added.
Nadal will face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the first round of French Open.