Rafael Nadal is not having his finest moment.
The Spaniard didn’t collect what he is used to do during the clay season. The last 4 tournaments has always being a huge stronghold for Rafa that has collected 8 titles in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona, 4 in Madrid and 7 in Rome (see details). The world no.1 is always expected to win at least 2 of them in a season and to reach the finals at least in 3. This year Rafa crashed out in the quarters in Monte-Carlo and Barcelona at the hands of Ferrer and Almagro (fellow Spaniards that always struggle with him); then Rafa won a quirky tournament in Madrid where he was completely dominated by Nishikori in the final before the Japanese had to retire. In Rome Rafa reached the final among huge struggles in 3 rounds out of 4 to then lose to Novak Djokovic in the final (the Serbian had a 3-13 record with Rafa on clay before the final). So is anything breaking? Not for Nadal
Rafa: I am more encouraged
The world no.1 commented “I felt that Novak was pushing me and has a great talent to play inside the lines. I think this week is important for me. I won 600 points. I was able to play in another final here. I was able to compete well against one of the best players of the moment. I arrive to Roland Garros now more encouraged than how I felt a few weeks ago.​”
Rafa will now try to win his 9th Roland Garros, but he will face a new situation as he will not be the favorite anymore, that’s his friend Novak!
