When you think about Roland-Garros, it is impossible to not think about Rafael Nadal immediately afterwards. The Spaniard has claimed the clay court Grand Slam as his hunting ground, having won the title a whopping 13 times. So, ahead of the French Open 2021, French tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou spoke about Nadal’s influence on the tournament.

Praising Rafa for his heroics at this venue, Mouratoglou stated he believes that in order for Rafa to win Majors, he needs to win the tournaments prior to the Grand Slam events; he’s been doing it that way and the routine has helped him often.

Speaking to Sky Sports, as quoted by TennisHead, the Frenchman said, “Rafa knows in order to win the Grand Slams he needs to win the other tournaments because he’s always been like this. Every year when I’m asked about Roland Garros, I give the same answer.

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“I say the only thing we don’t know when Roland Garros starts every year is who Rafa is going to beat in the final. Everything else, we know.”

Rafael Nadal’s consistency at the French Open is commendable

Coming to tennis played this season, Rafa began things in Australia. During the Australian Open, he sailed through the first week but bowed out of the event in the quarterfinal. He was up two sets and ended up losing three sets in a row against Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.

After that, he played his next tournament on the clay courts. Although he faired poorly in Monte Carlo and Madrid, he did lift the titles in Barcelona and Rome, giving him the confidence as the French Open 2021 begins. At the moment, the Spaniard is the favorite and is tipped to lift his 14th Roland Garros title this year.