Nadal Ready For Title Run At His Second Home

Rafael Nadal is seeded fourth this year at Roland Garros and seeking an unprecedented 10^th title here. Although many fans are jumping ahead to a potential blockbuster semi-final between Nadal and No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic, a rematch of their quarter-final last year won by the Serbian, the Spaniard is firmly focused on his opening round against Australian Sam Groth.

“He’s uncomfortable for the first round. He’s a difficult one,” said Nadal of the big-serving Groth. “You need to be ready to suffer a little bit during the match because I know he’s going to be difficult to have breaks against. I hope to be ready to stay focused mentally and to compete well.”

Nadal has come alive during this year’s clay court season. He won back-to-back titles at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event in Monte-Carlo and the ATP World Tour 500 event in Barcelona. Although he lost to Andy Murray and Djokovic at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome, respectively, it’s clear his current form will require a top player at their highest level to defeat him.

“I played a few good events in a row, so I hope to continue playing well here,” said Nadal. “My goal is to keep the same way that I’m playing, and if it’s possible, to play even a little better.”

With a 70-2 career record at Roland Garros, it would be hard for Nadal to not have good feelings about the tournament. Beyond the results, Nadal believes everyone who works behind the scenes has helped make the event feel like a second home for him.

“I like the organisation. I feel very comfortable with all the staff here in Roland Garros. I know all the people who run the tournament,” said Nadal. “It feels a little bit like home because I have a great relationship with all of them and that makes the event even more special for me.”