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.
