Nadal eyes 11th Paris title
Paris, June 9: Rafael Nadal admits that his desire to clinch an 11th French Open title on Sunday is fired by his growing realisation that the end of his career may not be too far away.
The 32- year- old Spaniard, with 16 majors to his name, will play his 24th Grand Slam final at Roland Garros against Dominic Thiem who is in his first.
Victory will give Nadal an 11th title in Paris and equal Margaret Court’s all- time record for wins at the same Slam event -- in her case, the Australian Open from 1960 and 1973 Nadal still trails great rival Roger Federer by four major titles although the Swiss star is more than four years older.
“For me, the motivation to play here always is high, high as possible,” said Nadal after breezing past Juan Martin del Potro 6- 4, 6- 1, 6- 2 in Friday’s semifinals in what was his 85th win in Paris against just two defeats.
“But for me, I believe that there are limited chances in your career.
“I have lost a lot of opportunities through injuries, and I know the years are going quick. So there is not 10 more chances to keep playing here.”
The statistics illustrate Nadal’s concerns — he has missed at least eight Slam tournaments in his career through a legacy of wrist and knee problems.
Such is his motivation to win his 17th Grand Slam challenge petered out into weary hopelessness.
Nadal raced away with 14 of the last 17 games.
“He’s too strong. He’s improving his backhand a lot. That’s why he’s the No. 1 and beating all the guys.
‘ He is fresh, healthy’
“He looks fresh. He is healthy. And the strength that he has and the mentality, everything is perfect, works perfect for him playing on clay.”
There have, however, appeared to be one or two chinks in his armour at Roland Garros this year.
On Friday, del Potro was by far the better player in the first set while, in the quarterfinals, Diego Schwartzman won the first set of his clash with Nadal.
It was the first time in three years that Nadal had dropped a set in Paris.
“You can win a set, but not a match against Rafa,” said Del Potro keen not to over- egg any hint of weakness in Nadal’s game.
At least Thiem has in the past found the key to unravelling the Nadal clay court enigma. — AFP