Nadal Trashes Federer, “Confident” Before the French Open Finals

And just like that, Rafael Nadal showcased why he is the best ever tennis player on clay. He defeated the 20-time Grand Slam champion and one of his biggest opponents, Roger Federer with 3-0, displaying an example of perfect tennis. It was 6-3 6-4 6-2 for the Spaniard after 2 hours and 28 minutes of play.

Though, some might say that his victory isn’t anything special, having in mind that Roger is not very successful on clay and that he has 37 years. We couldn’t disagree more. The Swiss player is still the No.3 in the ATP rankings, and there are no reasons big enough to diminish Nadal’s performance at Philippe Chatrier earlier today.

Even Federer praised his game, saying that when it comes to playing on this surface, Rafa is the ONE.

“There’s nobody who play remotely close to him,” said Roger. “It’s just amazing how he plays from deep and bounces back and forth from the baseline.”

22 not out!@RafaelNadal secures a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win over rival Federer, and his 22nd match win in a row at Roland-Garros…

🎾 https://t.co/nKZ3xJ2F6o#RG19 pic.twitter.com/zIMYOPkEWN

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2019

The reigning champion of Roland Garros opened this match much better and immediately broke Federer’s serve. However, FedEx managed to pull himself together and to answer in the same style, but that turned out to be a short-breathed spark of the Swiss. Nadal regained his lead using another break point, and swiftly resolving the opening set.

Federer opened the second set much better, and he even took a 2-0 lead, serving for a 3-game advantage. But when needed the most, Rafa stepped up and stopped rival’s surge. After that, both players were steady and kept their serve, but eventually, Nadal managed to break Federer in the ninth game and to close this sequence in his favor.

During the third set, there was only one person on the court, and that was the Spaniard. Federer stopped resisting at the later stage, and that part of the event ended in 40 minutes.

Nadal stated at the press conference that today’s match was tougher than the result tells.

“It’s always a tough match against Roger. It was tough conditions with the wind.”

The calibre of tennis is just 👌

🎾 https://t.co/nKZ3xJ2F6o @rogerfederer | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/JBpJuhDBoh

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2019

The weather isn’t very keen on allowing the players to show what they can. First, it was the rain, today the wind and rain combined, and that affected the quality of play on the court.

The wind was often changing the trajectory of the shots, and at some moments, it carried the clay all over Chatrier, creating lots of problems.

“I think the first set was mostly about getting used to conditions,” added Federer. “It was incredibly windy.”

All in all, Rafa proved his dominance against FedEx in Paris. This was his sixth win at Roland Garros, keeping his record perfect. Overall, he is now 92-2 at this Grand Slam with two defeats, against Robin Soderling and Novak Djokovic.

Nadal is hoping to win his 12th French Open title, and staying in pursuit of Federer and his 20 Grand Slam titles. He is three trophies short right now.

Still, he has one more match until the end, and it will be against better from Novak Djokovic and Dominic Thiem clash. This event has been interrupted because if rain with the result 1-1 in sets and 3-1 for Thiem in the third.

For Rafa, it doesn’t matter which one stands on the other side of the net. He knows both of them very well.

“I hope to be ready to give my best level against one or the other if I am able,” said Nadal. “I think that I’m confident in myself.”

As for Roger…Well, his run here ended, but he is satisfied.

“I played really well and surprised myself how far I progressed, Next year, like with any other tournament, I don’t know.”

The finals should be on Sunday if everything goes as planned.