This year, the lead-up to the French Open has been markedly unusual. The clay swing has been shortened, the weather conditions are expected to be different, and Rafael Nadal’s own performance has been sub-par (he lost in the quarterfinals of the Rome Masters). And yet, the Spaniard remains the odds-on favorite to win Roland Garros for a record-extending 13th time.
As the man himself suggested in a recent interaction with LesEchos, the abnormal conditions will affect everyone equally. Nadal also believes that his past experience of making comebacks from long layoffs will hold him in good stead.
“I feel a bit at home there” - Rafael Nadal on his relationship with Roland Garros
Having won the event a record 12 times, it would hard for any player to pick out a favorite memory. But Rafael Nadal said that if he had to, he would probably give a slight preference to the 2017 final - where he defeated Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to win a record 10th French Open title.
That also marked his first Major win since the French Open in 2014, ending a three-year dry run - the longest for him during his career so far.
Besides his tennis career and his charity foundation, one of the Spaniard’s other pet projects is the Rafa Nadal Academy where he is often seeing practicing with and guiding younger players. In the interview, Rafael Nadal said that he remains open to coaching in the future.
For now, Rafael Nadal will be focused on his own career. The French Open begins on Sunday, and the Spaniard will begin his quest for a record-equaling 20th Grand Slam title against World No. 83 Egor Gerasimov in the first round.
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