Nadal, Serena send French Open signals of intent
Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams firmed up their credentials as French Open favourites by sweeping to victory in Madrid.
Nadal eased to his fifth title in just seven tournaments since returning from a seven-month injury layoff due to tendinitis in his left knee as he beat Stanislas Wawrinka 6-2, 6-4 to claim his third title in the Spanish capital.
He now has 55 career titles with 40 coming on clay, an astonishing record that prompted Wawrinka to describe the Spaniard as a “killer” on clay courts.
Having also won on the clay in Sao Paulo, Acapulco and Barcelona this season, the 11-time Grand Slam champion looks well set for a tilt at an eighth French Open crown at Roland Garros. “It’s true these last matches I have been able to reach that goal, that line, that place where I want to be playing, the kind of play that I’m aiming for.
“Since we started playing on clay in Europe, these last two matches are the best I have played. I’ve realised that my forehand is working again at its highest level and I’m able to open the angles and play a lot of winners.
However, the world number five still refused to accept that he is the clear favourite for Roland Garros, which starts in two weeks, and insisted his mind is solely set on retaining his title in Rome this week. “Next week I will be in Rome and I will be thinking about Rome. I won’t be thinking Roland Garros,” said Nadal.
Williams, meanwhile, has a second title at Roland Garros firmly in her sights as she claimed a title on the red clay for the first time since that triumph 11 years ago with a 6-1, 6-4 win over world number two Maria.
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