Nadal on a road to The Perfect Ten
The Eiffel Tower was standing tall and so was Nadal’s pride.
Known as the ‘King of Clay’, Rafael Nadal is also the maestro of the Roland Garros as he has won nine titles on the French clay court. Could he take home a tenth? He probably could since he extended his streak to 67-1 yesterday after defeating Quentin Halys in three straight sets.
The Spaniard was seen bludgeoning the 18 year-old with his flawless skills with an aim of becoming the first man to win 10 French Open titles.
“He risked on every single ball,” said the seventh seed after the match.
“That’s the way tennis is going. Younger, aggressive, hitting the ball stronger and quicker, going for the winners all the time.
“But when the point was played in normal conditions I think I played well.”
If he stays consistent, the 28 year-old could potentially set-up a quarter-final clash against top seed Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic starts bidding for ninth Grand Slam title
Top seed Novak Djokovic is also off to a solid start as he battered Jarkko Nieminen 6-2, 7-5 and 6-2.
“I always feel a lot of emotion when I get back on this court,” said Djokovic.
Similar to Nadal, the Serb is also on the road to grab his ninth Grand Slam title. However, this would be his first ever French Open title.
“This year I’m playing very well so far and I hope I will get the confidence I have had since the beginning of the year in the French Open.”
He will be booking a second round match with either Gilles Muller from Luxembourg or Paolo Lorenzi from Italy.
Isner proclaims love for clay
American John Isner defeated Andreas Seppi in stunning sets of 7-5, 6-2 and 6-3 in his first round yesterday to join compatriots Jack Sock and Steve Johnson in the next round.
The 16th seed, who once battled Rafael Nadal to five sets in the French Open had expressed his love for the clay courts after his win.
“A lot is said about clay and how it’s a defensive surface,” said the 30 year-old.
“It’s sort of I would say a misconception. I think clay is a very good attacking surface,” he told reporters.
“A guy like Rafa, he plays great defence but knocks the cover off the ball. He is the greatest clay-court player of all-time. I’m a completely different animal,” he added.
“My serve is going to play a part no matter what the surface is and is going to keep me in the match. So I’m comfortable on clay.
“I’ve played pretty well over here in Europe, which is nice. I’ve had some bad European swings before so I’m feeling good now.”
Isner will take on Frenchman Jeremy Chardy next.
Ferrer hustles into second round
David Ferrer, currently a ranking below Rafael Nadal took more than an hour to seal his win against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia. The Spaniard won 6-1, 6-3 and 6-1 to conclude his first round match.
It was the 300th clay court match win for 33 year-old Ferrer.
“I began the season playing really well, winning a lot of matches, and I am only focusing in the moment,” he said.
“I don’t know when I will finish my career. The most important thing is my fitness. I don’t have important injuries. I am looking forward.”
He next faces compatriot Daniel Gimeno-Traver, who outperformed Joao Souza 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-4.
Photo credits: Telegraph
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