Rafael Nadal starts ‘different Roland Garros’ with solid win to extend French Open record to 94-2
Rafael Nadal began his quest for French Open title number 13 with a straight-sets victory over Egor Gerasimov.
The Spaniard, who extended his record on the Paris clay to 94-2, will draw level with Roger Federer on 20 Grand Slams if he triumphs at Roland Garros.
World number 83 Gerasimov, from Belarus, was not expected to cause Nadal too many problems, and so it proved.
Despite a booming serve from the 6ft 5in powerhouse which held up to some early scrutiny, Nadal wrapped up a routine 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 win in a shade over two hours.
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
(Just in case you needed reminding)@RafaelNadal #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/Uv1TZ3FU9c
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 28, 2020
The tournament, moved to the autumn due to coronavirus, has a completely different feel to it, even for the most seasoned of campaigners.
Nadal said: “It’s a different Roland Garros. Of course we play in the same place. But the conditions are completely different than any other Roland Garros that we played.
“But the only thing I can do is just stay positive, do my job, try my best every single day.
“Even if the conditions are not the ideal ones, I will fight for my goals every single moment.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Brad Gilbert addresses calls to ‘fix’ Coco Gauff’s forehand as he reveals his one coaching regret
“Not everybody is like Rafa that can make changes all the time. Andre was another one that liked to tinker.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev highlights Carlos Alcaraz’s ‘advantage’ – ‘I felt a little bit out of solutions’
“It’s tough. Mentally it’s not easy to play against this,” admits Daniil Medvedev.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova dismisses Emma Raducanu ‘fluke’ claims as she highlights a ‘handicap’
“It was amazing when she won but it’s become a handicap because the expectations have gone sky-high.”
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Tennis star collapses during Miami Open qualifier as opponent admits ‘I didn’t see him fall’
Arthur Cazaux left the court in a wheelchair.
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”