“This Year is Special” – Rafael Nadal After His Opening Round Win at French Open 2020

To topple the king, one needs an army consisting of able soldiers. To topple the “King of Clay” one needs to have all the necessary skills as well as luck on his side. Rafael Nadal opened his French Open 2020 journey with a straight-set win against Egor Gerasimov of Belarus. The 12 times Roland Garros Champion outclassed the 27-year-old in the Philippe Chatrier Court in Paris.

The 34-year-old Spaniard is on his quest to clinch his 13th French Open title to take his total Grand Slam tally to 20. However, it is anticipated the run won’t be easy for Rafael Nadal. The tournament has been delayed due to the COVID-19 situation. The sun-baked clay court is damp owing to the rain and the temperature is on the colder side.

Keeping aside all the adversaries, Nadal clinched his first win in the French Open 2020. The Belarusian was no match for the clay-court artisan. The French Open has been the most special venue in his career. Undoubtedly Nadal is happy to be back at the venue.

“We’re here to try our best and for me, this year is special as everyone that I’m here in Roland Garros. I’m gonna try my best. Happy to be in the second round, a good start, and now is the moment to come back to the hotel and have a little practice for tomorrow and try to be ready for the second round”, he stated.

Rafael Nadal claims the first match in style

Going into the match, Nadal was the clear favorite to steer clear ahead of his opponent. Although Roland Garros has been the audience of some roller-coaster matches, it was a rather easy win for the World number 2. Displaying his refined skill set, Nadal wasted no time in getting on top of his opponent. The message was loud and clear, he was here to win.

Nadal started off his journey with a 6-4 win over his opponent. Even though Gerasimov displayed some real intent, it faded away in front of the Spaniard. Nadal who knows every nook and corner of Roland Garros looked confident and in exquisite touch.

His lethal service and strong returns executed the job for him as he took the second set in a similar fashion. Two set up, Nadal was going for the final lap to proceed to the second round. Egor got to show some of his skills in the first two sets. However, in the final set, Nadal drove the final nail on the coffin by claiming the final set 6-2.

The straight-set victory saw Nadal stride towards the second round beaming with confidence. He’ll be facing Mackenzie McDonald of the United States in the second round.