“Have No Complaints”: Rafael Nadal Opens up on Relationship With French Open Organizers

Published 10/23/2020, 10:05 AM EDT

During the French Open 2020, it was a known fact that eventual champion Rafael Nadal didn’t like the conditions in Paris. With cold and slower conditions and the heavier Wilson ball, it wasn’t to Nadal’s liking. Nevertheless, Rafa overcame all hurdles to reign supreme in Paris yet again for the 13th time.

In a recent interview with elPeriodico, Nadal spoke well about his relationship with the French Open organizers despite his disagreement with the ball that was used this year.

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“Please, I have heard and read that thesis on Roland Garros balls, yes, and it is absurd, an outrage. Roland Garros changes sponsor and the new sponsor makes his own balls. My relationship with Roland Garros is excellent, I have no complaints, either from the public or the organization. My feeling is that every year they are very, very happy that I win. And it shows.”

During the tournament after one of his matches, Nadal had admitted that he had to adapt to the new conditions instead of complaining. This ease in adaptability has been the reason why Nadal has dominated so much on clay and in tennis in general.

How did Rafael Nadal counter the conditions at French Open 2020?

To counter the conditions, Nadal played closer to the lines. With slower conditions, the rallies were longer. And Nadal knew how to tire his opponent down, he tired his opponents with his tactical and varied shot selection.

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Many former players and pundits expected a drop-off from Nadal given this year’s uncertain season. Prior to the French Open, tennis Legend Mats Wilander had expected Nadal’s arch-rival, Novak Djokovic to trouble Rafa and potentially win the Grand Slam.

But Wilander was stunned after the French Open final. Nadal had steamrolled past Djokovic in the final. So later, Wilander spoke highly about Nadal’s stance in the Greatest Of All Time(GOAT) debate.

Rafa is next expected to participate in the Rolex Paris Masters. Although Nadal has conquered the red dirt of Roland Garros in Paris, he has never won a title on the hardcourts of the Paris Masters. He has played just a single final at the Paris Masters, way back in 2007. Let’s see if he can win double titles in Paris as he has already won the French Open.

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Written by:

Bhavishya Mittal is a tennis author for EssentiallySports, who is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Manipal University. A former sports editor for The Manipal Journal, Bhavishya has also worked for The New Indian Express. He has a keen eye for many sports but he is a particularly ardent follower of tennis, with a zest to create riveting articles on the ever-evolving sport.

“Have No Complaints”: Rafael Nadal Opens up on Relationship With French Open Organizers

How did Rafael Nadal counter the conditions at French Open 2020?

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