Insider names the four biggest French Open threats for Rafael Nadal
The Barcelona Open and Davis Cup Tournaments Director Albert Costa commented on Rafael Nadal winning his ninth Rome Open. The former world No. 2 said: "He is playing very well, he got his confidence back and that makes him being a favourite in the French Open. He will be at his best level as soon as he heads into the practice courts. Playing five sets makes him calm. Another thing would be if he had lost. His feeling would be different and now he is at a top level. For Rafa, the French Open is the main goal of the season. Rafa won it 11 times and why not one more? The tournament is open, and his opponents are Djokovic, Thiem, Tsitsipas and del Potro. That can cause damage to him. But he has experience and a tennis quality and his game in French Open perfectly suits to the tournament. He is so motivated."
Alex Corretja added: "He did not need to win in Rome to head into the French Open as a favourite. His forehand came back to be a top shot against his opponents if someone had any doubt. For his confidence, it's the best possible thing and at the right moment. Now his confidence increased. Now both Rafa and Novak have time to rest and Novak reached the Rome final being a bit tired, both physically and mentally. Rafa is the player to beat at five sets. On clay, he played not too many matches and so he headed into Rome fresher. We will see where players will land, if on Novak or Rafa's side. The two are above the rest but with less difference than the past years. Thiem and Tsitsipas increased their level and Wawrinka comes back."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2HvX5w6
No comments