Rafael Nadal reveals his toughest Roland Garros titles

Sunday, 03 January 2021 at 13:30

Rafael nadal Roland Garros 2020 5f73970a37670

Rafael Nadal made the Roland Garros debut in 2005 and went all the way, becoming the last teenager with a Major title following a win over Mariano Puerta in four sets.

The Spaniard has won 13 titles from 16 trips to Paris, losing only two matches at his beloved tournament and writing history books as the most dominant player at a single Major. Speaking about his toughest roads towards the Parisian crown, Nadal cited 2011 and 2020 as the years he had to work the most to lift the trophy. A decade ago, Nadal struggled with balls in Paris, needing some time to find the rhythm and outplaying a couple of difficult rivals that pushed him to the limits.

Rafa experienced his first Roland Garros five-setter against John Isner in the opening round, prevailing 6-4, 6-7, 6-7, 6-2, 6-4! The Spaniard served well and played against only one break point, losing two tie breaks but finding the way to overcome Isner's initial shot in sets four and five to avoid a shocking defeat. In round two, Nadal stayed on the court for over three hours in a 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 triumph over Pablo Andujar, suffering five breaks but winning the crucial points to avoid spending more time on the court.

In the semis, Rafa dug deep to overpower Andy Murray 6-4, 7-5, 6-4, entering another Roland Garros final and outplaying Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6, 5-7, 6-1 in three hours and 40 minutes for a milestone tenth Major title. In 2020, Rafa claimed the 13th Roland Garros crown after toppling all rivals in straight sets. The event took place in October for the first time, and the Spaniard had to deal with cold weather, new Wilson balls and a roof over Court Philippe-Chatrier, the elements he doesn't fancy.

Rising to the occasion, Rafa scored seven impressive victories, dominating both serve and return to secure the 20th Major title. From the quarter-final, Nadal ousted Jannik Sinner, Diego Schwartzman and Novak Djokovic to extend his Parisian reign and prove his greatness on the slowest surface once again.

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"My toughest Roland Garros challenges came in 2011 and 2020, two very difficult years for me. The season behind us was the most unexpected in terms of Parisian conditions. I suffer a lot when I play during cold weather; my body doesn't like it. Also, my shots were less effective during my first training and matches. Little by little, I made improvements and got ready for the title clash against Novak, knowing I can play at maximum," Rafael Nadal said.