Rafael Nadal Reflects Back on His First French Open Title as a 19-Year-Old

Published 12/31/2020, 9:00 AM EST

Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal has won a record 13 French Open titles throughout his career. The first of these titles came way back in 2005 when he was just 19 years old. This is why many people at the time thought that this win was a surprise. However, the World No. 2 doesn’t share this opinion due to his achievements before the event. In a recent interview, Rafa said:

“In 2005, I definitely started to stand out. I had already won in Brazil, Acapulco, Miami final, Barcelona, Rome … therefore when I arrived at Roland Garros it is true that I was young, but also one of the favorites. I got there winning the last most important tournaments on clay, I was a candidate and there are situations for me to win. What you see as a child is Roland Garros, therefore that is to fulfill a dream.”

(Quotes have been translated)

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The Rafael Nadal dominance

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After the first title in 2005, Rafael Nadal has gone on to win 12 more French Open titles. In all of his appearances at the event, he has won 100 matches, and he has only lost 2. In addition to that, 4 of his titles there were won without dropping a set, which is a record in itself.

Clearly, Rafa has been dominating in Paris and it doesn’t look it’s going to end anytime soon. In 2020, the French Open was moved to September, making the conditions cooler, which usually doesn’t suit his game. However, he still managed to win the event.

The French Open is Rafa’s favorite event, which is why we can definitely expect him to play there in 2021, where he will compete for his 14th title. Also, if he wins the title, he will win his 21st Grand Slam overtaking Roger Federer on the all-time list.

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Clearly, a lot of achievements lie in store for Rafa in Paris next year, and considering his dominance there, he will probably get his hands on them.

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Rafael Nadal Reflects Back on His First French Open Title as a 19-Year-Old

The Rafael Nadal dominance

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