Rafael Nadal on the Verge of Breaking Roger Federer’s Incredible Record at French Open 2021

World No.3 Rafael Nadal got off to a fabulous start at the French Open 2021. Playing against Alexei Popyrin in the first round of the tournament, the Spaniard enjoyed an easy win as he thrashed his opponent in straight sets. The final scoreline of the match was 6-3, 6-2, 7(7)-6(3).

This is Rafael Nadal’s 29th straight win at the French Open. Interestingly, he didn’t lose a single set in this match and has now won his last 26 sets that he has played at the major. The Spaniard last lost a set against Dominic Thiem in the finals of the French Open 2019.

With the win over Popyrin, Nadal is very close to breaking yet another record of Roger Federer. As of now, the Swiss Maestro has the highest number of wins at a particular major as he has won a whopping 102 matches at the Australian Open in his career. However, Rafa can break his record if he manages to win his third-round match at the French Open 2021.

As of now, Nadal has 101 victories at the French Open in his career. He is tied with Federer as he also has 101 wins at the Wimbledon Championships. Interestingly, Roger is the only player who has more than 100 wins at two different Grand Slams.

Watch This Story: How Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Others Travel

Who are behind Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the list?

Behind Roger and Rafa, 8-time Grand Slam winner Jimmy Connors is there on the list with 98 wins at the US Open. Just like Rafa has the maximum wins at the French Open and Federer has the most at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, it is Connors who leads the battle at the Flushing Meadows.

Roger Federer is again right behind him as he has 89 triumphs at the US Open as well. World No.1 Novak Djokovic is also there on the list as he has 82 victories at the Australian Open so far.

It’ll be a huge achievement if Rafa manages to break this record. As of now he and Federer are the only two players who have more than 100 victories at a certain major. The interesting point is Rafa has more time than Federer and can play for at least 3-4 more years if he remains fit. This means that he can take his number to even more than 120.

Rafael Nadal will now advance to the second round where he’ll play against Richard Gasquet. He is certainly in some incredible form at the moment and can prove to be a big threat to the Frenchman. Will the Spaniard be able to defend his title yet again in Paris this year?

Also Read: “Don’t Know What Odds I’d Give Myself”: Rafael Nadal on His Chances of Winning 14th Title at French Open 2021