The French Open is one of the major tennis events in the world. It is the premier clay court tennis championship. It is probably the toughest Grand Slam to win. Clay nature of the court makes life difficult for the players. In order to win the championship, you need to be supremely fit both mentally and physically. Because of its slow nature, it does take few advantages away from the players those who like to serve big. Pete Sampras, who was a big serve- and- volley player in his time, won 14 Grand Slam title to his credit but never won the French Open. That shows the difficulty level of the tournament. Even the Great Roger Federer could only able to win 1 French Open in his career so far.
But, it is a completely different story for the Spanish champion Rafael Nadal. French Open and Nadal are synonymous. Has won all the major Grand Slam’s, but his love affair with clay courts and particularly with the Roland-Garros is at another level. Nadal has won the elusive slam 10 times before. There is no other player in the world who comes close to his record at the French Open.
Defending champion, Nadal will look to win his 11thRoland-Garros title this year. Nadal himself said that he is happy to “suffer” in quest of his 11th French Open title. The top seed is an overwhelming favourite to claim his 17th career grand slam title. Rafa is in a terrific form this year, have already won his 11th titles on clay both in Monte Carlo and Barcelona. He also won his eighth trophy in Rome.
Nadal has won 79 matches overall and lost just two times at the French Open. With Roger Federer and Andy Murray not participating in the French Open Nadal certainly is the favourite to win the title.
To make his life easier, Nadal has been handed over the better part of the draw. Nadal's road to the final could see him face his countryman Richard Gasquet in the third round, then he could face Kevin Anderson and third-seed Marin Cilic in the quarters and semi-finals.
Nadal remains wary about the threat that Djokovic possesses. "Novak is one of the best players in the history of this sport,” said Nadal.
