Is Rafael Nadal back in form on the eve of the French Open? After a difficult start to 2016, he won back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona last month.
Is Rafael Nadal back in form on the eve of the French Open? After a difficult start to 2016, he won back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona last month.
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When Nadal won the crown in Barcelona, he matched Guillermo Vilas for the most clay-court titles ever with 49.
When Nadal won the crown in Barcelona, he matched Guillermo Vilas for the most clay-court titles ever with 49.
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Even though he lost to nemesis Novak Djokovic in Rome, some would say it was still a positive match for Nadal since he ran the dominant No. 1 close, 7-5 7-6 (7-4).
Even though he lost to nemesis Novak Djokovic in Rome, some would say it was still a positive match for Nadal since he ran the dominant No. 1 close, 7-5 7-6 (7-4).
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But Nadal doesn't only have to worry about Djokovic in Paris. Andy Murray is the world No. 2, Rome champion and has a better winning percentage on clay than Nadal and Djokovic since the start of last season.
But Nadal doesn't only have to worry about Djokovic in Paris. Andy Murray is the world No. 2, Rome champion and has a better winning percentage on clay than Nadal and Djokovic since the start of last season.
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When they met at the French Open last year, Djokovic became only the second player to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros.
When they met at the French Open last year, Djokovic became only the second player to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros.
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Robin Soderling is the other player who has downed Nadal at the French Open, in 2009.
Robin Soderling is the other player who has downed Nadal at the French Open, in 2009.
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Nadal is hoping the French Open goes better than his last grand slam -- he was upset in the first round at the Australian Open by doubles partner Fernando Verdasco.
Nadal is hoping the French Open goes better than his last grand slam -- he was upset in the first round at the Australian Open by doubles partner Fernando Verdasco.
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It was part of a slump for Nadal, who will turn 30 during the second week of the French Open. He surprisingly fell to Dominic Thiem and Pablo Cuevas on the South American clay-court swing in February.
It was part of a slump for Nadal, who will turn 30 during the second week of the French Open. He surprisingly fell to Dominic Thiem and Pablo Cuevas on the South American clay-court swing in February.
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But Roland Garros has always held great memories for Nadal. He bagged the first of his nine titles in 2005.
But Roland Garros has always held great memories for Nadal. He bagged the first of his nine titles in 2005.
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Nadal is seeking a 15th grand slam title overall -- and first since defeating Djokovic in the 2014 French Open final.
Nadal is seeking a 15th grand slam title overall -- and first since defeating Djokovic in the 2014 French Open final.
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