The French Open 2022 preparations have begun in full swing. Top players in the world will be vying for the title in Paris. Rated as one of the most difficult tournaments on the tennis calendar, fans will witness exhilarating action as the players step on the court. Further, the ‘King of Clay’, Rafael Nadal, is here too. The Spaniard will be looking for his 14th Roland Garros title as the tournament unfolds on Sunday.

Nadal enters the tournament without a title on clay court this year. It has rarely been the case as Nadal has dominated on his favorite surface throughout his career. However, the Spaniard was in a joyful mood ahead of the French Open.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘Took the Tennis World by Storm’ – Former World Number 1 Lindsay Davenport Says She Is Surprised That Serena Williams and Venus Williams Are Still Playing on the WTA Tour

Rafael Nadal gives a hilarious response during a press conference

During a pre-tournament press conference, a journalist asked him whether the surface conditions at the French Open have made him a 30% better player. Nadal replied jokingly, “30% better player here than in the rest of places or the rest of the players? (laughs)” 

Further, he went on to add, “Actually, I was for a while but not anymore, I think. I don’t know. I think I won 12 Barcelona (Open) too, and 10 Rome (Masters) and I think 11 Monte Carlo, so probably it’s not the big difference between here and the rest of the places. It’s true that here I won maybe a couple more than the rest of the places, but I think my level of tennis on clay has been high during long period of time in my tennis career without a doubt.”

Nadal handed a difficult draw at the French Open 2022

Earlier this week, the draws for the clay-court Grand Slam tournament were released. Nadal is the fifth seed at the tournament and opens his campaign against Jordan Thompson of Australia. Further, in the second round, he will potentially face Stanislas Wawrinka. Nadal’s biggest test will be in the quarterfinals where he might face World Number 1, Novak Djokovic. Also in his half are Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz.

Top Stories

Rafael Nadal Faces New Injury Blow Only a Year After His Emotional Tennis Exit

Taylor Townsend Makes Unexpected Coaching Call After Career-Defining Success

Andy Roddick’s Sudden Return to the Court Turns Heads 13 Years After Retirement

Coco Gauff’s Vision Pays Off as Two Tennis Influencers Achieve Major Breakthrough

Roger Federer Sparks Comeback Frenzy After Huge Australian Open Announcement

WATCH THIS STORY: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis

Can Nadal win the French Open 2022? Let us know your views in the comments below.