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French Open 2022: 'King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal favourite to win Men's title; Roger Federer probably the greatest athlete of all time, says Purav Raja

Rafael Nadal clinched his second Australian Open title earlier this year, 13 years after winning his first at the Rod Laver arena (2009). That made him the first men's player in history to win 21 Grand Slam titles, moving one ahead of Novak Djokovic. Rafa is currently playing on what is hands down his favourite surface - clay and at his favourite tournament - the French Open, and will be itching to lay his hands on title number 14 at Roland Garros. Nadal has overall won the French Open title 13 times - 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 - in his career. He last lifted the trophy at Roland Garros in 2020 when he defeated Novak Djokovic 6–0, 6–2, 7–5 in the summit clash. This year though it's Djokovic who is the defending champion and not Rafa. Indian tennis player Purav Raja feels Nadal will be able to snatch the crown back from Djoko this year. TimesofIndia.com caught up with Purav to talk about the French Open 2022 title favourites, Rafa, future of Indian tennis and more.

French Open order of play: Day 2 schedule starring Emma Raducanu, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Day 2 at the French Open sees a host of British players in action, including Emma Raducanu.

Emma Raducanu joins Brits in second round as French Open enters third day

Emma Raducanu survived a major scare on a dramatic second day at the French Open.

French Open: Defending Champion Novak Djokovic Wins On Slam Return

Reigning champion Novak Djokovic won in straight sets on his return to Grand Slam action at the French Open on Monday and 13-time Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal eased to victory, but Naomi Osaka crashed out in the first round. Djokovic defeated Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3, 6-1, 6-0 in the first night session at full capacity in Paris in his first match at a major since losing last year's US Open final. His attempt to defend his Australian Open title in January ended in chaos and controversy when he was deported from Melbourne for refusing to get vaccinated.

French Open: Djokovic wins on Slam return as Nadal strolls and Osaka exits

Novak Djokovic won in straight sets on his return to Grand Slam action at the French Open on Monday and 13-time Roland Garros winner Rafael Nadal eased to victory, but Naomi Osaka crashed out in the first round. Djokovic defeated Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3, 6-1, 6-0 in the first night session at full capacity in Paris in his first match at a major since losing last year's US Open final. His attempt to defend his Australian Open title in January ended in chaos and controversy when he was deported from Melbourne for refusing to get vaccinated.

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Rafael Nadal Sport News

French Open 2022: 'King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal favourite to win Men's title; Roger Federer probably the greatest athlete of all time, says Purav Raja

French Open order of play: Day 2 schedule starring Emma Raducanu, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic

Emma Raducanu joins Brits in second round as French Open enters third day

French Open: Defending Champion Novak Djokovic Wins On Slam Return

French Open: Djokovic wins on Slam return as Nadal strolls and Osaka exits

Nadal in his element at French Open I Djokovic makes comfortable start

Novak Djokovic opens French Open title defense with straight-sets victory in first Grand Slam match in 7 1/2 months

French Open 2022: Nadal, Djokovic Menang Mudah di Babak Pertama