Nadal Wins the French Open, Regains Number One Ranking - A Month That (Re)Makes a Career
In the past month or so, Rafael Nadal has not only confirmed his status as one of, if not the, greatest clay court players. Rafa won his fifth French Open title, seventh Grand Slam singles title and regained the Number One ranking after defeating Swede, Robin Soderling,
6-4, 6-2, 6-4 in the final. Nadal did not lose a set during the 2010 French Open (he also did not lose a set in 2008) a feat which Bjorn Borg also achieved twice during his six victories at Roland Garros. Nadal planned to be practicing on grass in London on Monday. In the beginning of April, it was far from clear that Nadal would reach these heights again after the past year when he’s struggled with injuries and his confidence.
A year ago during the months of May, June and July, Roger Federer “made” his career by winning his first French Open title (completing a career Grand Slam) and then in early July Federer captured his15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon breaking Pete Sampras’s record. This year it was Rafa’s chance to resurrect his career and reestablish himself as the top player and a threat again at every Grand Slam. Nadal, who is now 38-1 at Roland Garros and 22-0 on clay this spring, is also 7-2 in major finals. As Nadal sat crying with his face buried in his towel after the match, it was clear how challenging and difficult the past year has been and what relief and joy he was feeling. As Nadal said. "I was there crying. It was a real emotional moment for me. The moment, after a lot of nerves, a lot of pressure. A difficult year … after you win the title, you lose your tension."
A year ago during the months of May, June and July, Roger Federer “made” his career by winning his first French Open title (completing a career Grand Slam) and then in early July Federer captured his15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon breaking Pete Sampras’s record. This year it was Rafa’s chance to resurrect his career and reestablish himself as the top player and a threat again at every Grand Slam. Nadal, who is now 38-1 at Roland Garros and 22-0 on clay this spring, is also 7-2 in major finals. As Nadal sat crying with his face buried in his towel after the match, it was clear how challenging and difficult the past year has been and what relief and joy he was feeling. As Nadal said. "I was there crying. It was a real emotional moment for me. The moment, after a lot of nerves, a lot of pressure. A difficult year … after you win the title, you lose your tension."
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