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“Could Be the Last”: Rafael Nadal Fears His French Open Dominance Might Come to an End

Published 10/12/2020, 2:08 PM EDT

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via Reuters

When Rafael Nadal stepped on to Court Phillippe-Chartier last Sunday, he was beaming with confidence. And rightfully so, the 34-year-old went on to clinch the 2020 French Open in straight sets. It is the 13th time Nadal is standing tall at Roland Garros, a record that he’s extending with each passing year. But whenever Rafa wins in Paris, he always fears that it might be his last! 

Rafael Nadal has been gracing Roland Garros since 2005. The Spaniard also won his first title the same year, about fifteen years ago. This is a record in itself as Nadal became the first player in the open era to win a majors tournament 15 years after winning the first one. 

Everything went right for Rafael Nadal at the 2020 French Open. In fact, he was so dominant that no player managed to take a set away from him. This is the fourth time in his career where Nadal has won a slam without dropping a set in the entire tournament! 

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via Reuters

Nadal has been winning at Roland Garros for more than a decade. But as soon as he clinches a title, he always feels that it might end up being his last! “I always thought that every tournament I won here could be the last,” Nadal said (Quotes translated from Spanish via Google). 

“And it’s not just a thought, it’s a very possible reality,” he added. “But well, things have gone that way and I can’t help but be grateful to all the people who have helped me and helped me at any time over the years.”

Rafael Nadal on his superstitious beliefs after winning title #13 at Roland Garros

It is a known fact that ‘13’ is generally considered to be an unlucky number around the world. People tend to avoid using the numeral and skip past it. However, Rafa has no problems with it and genuinely celebrates winning the record-extending championship. 

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One might think that Rafa Nadal may never win a French Open crown since he has touched the unlucky 13. However, the 34-year-old feels none of the pressure as he’s never been the one to believe in numeral superstitions. 

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“People who know me off the track know that we are not a methodical person at all, I would say that we are a pretty messy person,” Nadal informed. 

via Reuters

“It’s true that on the track I have very marked routines that help me stay focused. But I have no problem with the number 13. I am delighted. Being realistic, I don’t think many more can come, but we will try to continue giving the maximum opportunities to be at the highest level,” he added.

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Superstitions don’t seem to affect Rafael Nadal’s confidence in any way. If there’s anything Rafa must only be even hungrier to go out and win his 14th title next year! 

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Written by:

Arjun Athreya

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Arjun Athreya is a senior writer at Essentially Sports and has been contributing since early 2020. Having developed an avid interest in sports at an early age, he pursued a Journalism degree and graduated from Madras Christian College. Arjun manages the Golf division and its content, and primarily covers news pertaining to the NBA as well.
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