Tennis Legends Believe Rafael Nadal Can Easily Beat the Odds at French Open 2020

Published 10/10/2020, 8:22 AM EDT

Rafael Nadal reached another French Open final after a straight-set victory over Diego Schwartzman. It is his 13th French Open final as Rafa searches for a record-extending 13th title in Paris.

Rafa is also just one victory away from 100 French Open wins. The Spaniard boasts a ridiculous record of 99-2 at Roland Garros. This dominance by Rafa has often baffled players, fans, and legends of the sport.

Mats Wilander on Rafael Nadal’s dominance at French Open

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Tennis legend Mats Wilander conceded that no conditions can stop Nadal at the French Open.

“At Roland Garros you have to be willing to play when it’s 30 degrees when the sun is shining and the ball is bouncing over your head, and then sometimes it is cold – even in May and June. And today we saw the greatness of Rafael Nadal. It doesn’t really matter in the end what the conditions are like. He’s nearly impossible to beat.”

With cooler conditions and a heavier Wilson ball, the clay court in the French Open is slower and Nadal has opposed the conditions. Despite that, the Spaniard has adjusted well and is yet to drop a set at the tournament.

“Of course he prefers the warmer weather. But you’re going to have to play for five hours to take Nadal on a slow clay-court. He adjusts to the conditions at Roland Garros by far better than anyone else,” Mats Wilander said in a conversation with Eurosport.

Tim Henman baffled by Rafael Nadal at French Open

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Former Grand Slam semifinalist, Tim Henman, was astonished by Rafa’s record at the French Open.

“It’s a joke. It’s absolutely phenomenal when you look at his history. He’s only lost two matches and got his 99th win. How he maintains the level of form, avoids the injuries, and reached a 13th final without dropping a set is incredible.”

Rafa made his French Open main draw debut in 2005. He won his first Grand Slam title that year and 15 years on; he has lost only two matches in the French Open, winning 12 titles and 99 matches.

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Although Nadal hasn’t been challenged yet, his final match can be tricky. He faces his arch-rival Novak Djokovic and many expect the 2020 French Open final to be one of the most tightly contested French Open finals in recent years.

Rafael Nadal Vows to Make ‘Another Step Forward’ to Beat Novak Djokovic at French Open 2020 Finals

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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.

Tennis Legends Believe Rafael Nadal Can Easily Beat the Odds at French Open 2020

Mats Wilander on Rafael Nadal’s dominance at French Open

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