Nadal plays down chances of 14th French Open crown
PARIS: Rafael Nadal has played down his chances of winning a record-extending 14th French Open title but said he would not be in Paris if he thought it was not possible.
Rome Sport News
Rafael Nadal 'feeling better' ahead of French Open but says 'pain is always there' due to foot injury
Rafael Nadal has played down concerns over his injured foot ahead of his quest for a record-extending 14th French Open title. There were doubts over whether the 35-year-old would even play in Paris after he limped and grimaced towards the end of his Italian Open defeat to Denis Shapovalov earlier this month. Ad/> Nadal also lost to Carlos Alcaraz in Madrid, when he was returning from a rib injury, and has not won a clay title this season.
Casper Ruud overcomes tall order to reach Geneva Open final
Casper Ruud made it back into the Geneva Open final with a close-fought 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 victory over Reilly Opelka on Friday to maintain his impressive form ahead of Roland-Garros. Ruud is the defending champion on the Swiss clay and is now one match away from strolling into next week's French Open with the Geneva title under his belt once again. The 28-man Geneva tournament serves as a timely tune-up for the second Grand Slam of the year in Paris.
French Open 'goosebumps' serve as Djokovic motivator
Novak Djokovic says memories of last year's French Open triumph give him "goosebumps" and will spur him on in his pursuit of a third title at Roland Garros and record-equalling 21st major. Djokovic makes his return to Grand Slam action after his high-profile deportation from Australia, heading to Paris after winning a first title of the year at the Italian Open. "I feel I am always in that contention to fight for any Grand Slam trophy," Djokovic said on Friday.
Rafael Nadal ready for painful French Open campaign
Rafael Nadal is hoping his chronic foot problem will ease sufficiently to allow him to challenge for a 14th French Open title.
'Nothing to recover': Nadal dismisses doubts over foot injury
Rafael Nadal has played down concerns over the chronic foot issue that resurfaced in Rome last week as he prepares to launch his bid for a 14th French Open title. The Spaniard limped to a third-round loss to Denis Shapovalov at the Italian Open, but practised in front of thousands of fans at Roland Garros on Wednesday without any obvious discomfort. "There is nothing to recover," Nadal told reporters Friday.
Badosa on a learning curve as French Open start looms
PARIS : Paula Badosa will enter the French Open as the third seed and is learning to cope with elevated expectations after her steady rise up the rankings.
Rafael Nadal hoping to win 14th French Open title despite chronic foot problem
Rafael Nadal is hoping his chronic foot problem will ease sufficiently to allow him to challenge for a 14th French Open title.