The French Open and Rafael Nadal go hand in hand. There has never been a competition in which a player has been as dominant as the Spaniard has been in Paris. He has won 13 titles at Roland Garros and although he suffered a rare defeat this season, he will likely bounce back to winning ways in the French capital.

After Rafa’s fall to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, Toni Nadal spoke about his nephew’s chances of being the French Open champion once again. In the past, when Nadal lost, he found ways to bounce back and win the title the following year. But can he do it again after he turns 36 before he can lift the title again?

Uncle Toni touched upon this burning question to give his opinion saying, “After the losses at Roland Garros against Robin Soderling in 2009 and against Djokovic in 2015, Rafael had the priority to regain the lost title in Paris. And on each of those occasions, my nephew demonstrated unwavering determination to raise the Musketeers’ Cup again. 

“I have enough faith in him to think that he will do everything he can to do it again. And above all, I am hopeful that he will do it again.”

(Quotes translated using Google translate)

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History shows Rafael Nadal has always bounced back

Prior to the French Open 2021, Rafa had lost two matches and won 100 matches, clearly indicating the brute force that he is at Roland Garros. As history shows us, after his first two losses at the Major in Paris, the Spaniard came back much more determined and recaptured his crown the following years. Hence, Toni is optimistic about the 35-year-old’s chances of winning the championship once again.

Reflecting on the French Open this year, the Spaniard looked strong during the early stages. Even when the competitiveness increased, he was clinical in his approach. However, in his semifinal match against World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, his level dropped towards the end of the third and fourth sets.

Going by the reputation Nadal has developed over the years, the fighting attitude that he possesses is his biggest strength. Keeping that in mind, the Spaniard will surely be eager to step on Court Philippe-Chatrier once again.

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