Quizmaster Phanindra Ivatury of the Netherlands, who is an avid tennis fan, writes on Rafael Nadal's return to French Open Grand Slam.
UTRECHT (The Netherlands), May 26 (Bernama) -- After unending weeks of speculation on “will he or won’t he”, Rafael Nadal’s participation in this year’s French Open Grand Slam (also known as Roland Garros) finally got confirmed with the tournament’s draw released the other day. In all probability, 2024 might showcase his swansong appearance at this venue where he accomplished unparalleled success for nearly two decades and counting.
‘Staggering Stats’ – Rafael Nadal at the French Open
Often referred to as the “King of Clay” for his mindboggling dominance in mastering the art of winning on clay courts, especially at the French Open, Nadal’s numerous singles titles at the venue can attract performance case studies by the dozens.
As of 2023, he holds a career record of 112 wins to three losses at the venue which translates to an unbelievable 97.39 winning percentage, a record matched by no other male tennis athlete at a single Grand Slam.
“Rafa” as he is affectionately referred to the world over, was all of nineteen years when he lifted his first French Open title in 2005 on debut. His was the classic case of a teen prodigy growing up to be a legend.
Ever since, as a standard bearer at the French Open, Nadal’s singles titles have emanated in implausible clusters between 2005 to 2008, 2010 to 2014, 2017 to 2020 and the latest in 2022. Even more remarkable is the fact that never once a competing player against him in the final has been able to stretch the contest to the full five sets.
Nadal is also the only player in the open era to have won more than three Grand Slams without dropping a single set en-route. He breezed through to his 2008, 2010, 2017 and 2020 Roland Garros’ titles without dropping a set.
Roger Federer, a contemporary tennis icon who had competed against Nadal in four French Open finals calls the Spaniard’s achievements at Roland Garros as “one of the most incredible records in history of all sports”.
A Legend at the French Open with a Capital ‘L’
The French Open success alone has contributed 14 Grand Slam Singles titles to Nadal’s overall 22, as he currently sits second in the list of all-time greats in the category. His sheer presence at Roland Garros over the years has been nothing short of a goose-bump evoking phenomenon.
Amelie Mauresmo, who is currently the tournament director at Roland Garros (after being a former French World No.1 and two time Grand Slam Champion) describes Nadal’s titles at the French Open as “one of the greatest feats in sports”.
While an arch rival like Federer always competed with the subtlety of a surgeon at the French Open, Nadal’s bandana clad, muscled approach represented the vocal exuberance of a fist-pumping athlete. Watching Nadal play on the red clay at Paris has always been a sight to behold. It’s like watching a Borg or Federer play at Wimbledon, if not more.
Retirement Noise
Nadal who has been plagued with injury lay-offs all through his illustrious career was fighting the latest one in 2023 which led him to reaffirm last September that the 2024 Olympics (scheduled between July to August in France) would be a nice end to his career provided he felt good, also adding that his schedule can change if he feels he has a chance to win at Roland Garros.
Subsequently, yet another trademark comeback of his happened at this year’s Madrid Open and more recently, at the Italian Open where Nadal made uncharacteristic exits at both venues losing in fourth and second rounds, respectively. Shock losses at these lead-up tournaments to the French Open have cast doubts on his form and fitness, especially going into a Grand Slam where he has such an enviable record.
A Brutal First Round Draw
Not making things any easier, Nadal was handed a tough first round draw at the 2024 French Open where he get to face long-time rival and fourth seed Alexander Zverev who is coming into the tournament off the back of winning the Italian Open recently while stringing together a six match winning streak.
A French Open Swansong
As the debate rages on, on whether his retirement is imminent or not, it definitely seems that Nadal is in the December of his career.
Would he be able to walk away into the sunset carrying yet another “Coupe des Mousquetaires” (The Musketeer’s Trophy) from the French Open or would the rigors of an intensely competitive sport have the final say on his fitness and endurance?
While the Spaniard’s fans continue to speculate on his career, one thing is for sure. Nadal standing on the other side of the net at his cherished Philippe-Chartier Court is a fierce sight of admiration for all his opponents.
After losing the 2020 Men’s Singles Final to Nadal at Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic said: “I admire all his achievements, especially the one here. All the superlatives you can use, he deserves them.”
A Watershed Moment
On a personal front, though I have never had the opportunity to watch Nadal compete in the French Open in person, a VVIP pass to an India-Spain Davis Cup tie in 2016 (held in New Delhi) allowed me an unexpected chance to watch this idol in flesh and blood as he with his partner, Marc Lopez, took on the Indian duo Leander Paes and Saketh Myneni in a doubles rubber.
The match result was bittersweet to most local viewers that night as the Indian pair lost in four sets to the Spaniards but each of us present could witness the athletic brilliance of an international star like Nadal on Indian soil. For the hardcore tennis fan boy in me, it was a watershed moment.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
