As the regular season is approaching its half, Rafael Nadal is becoming an unstoppable rock, a tremendous athlete highly-motivated in his quest to achieve greatness. If the first part of the season had Federer as its leading violin, now it seems that is Rafael Nadal the one in charge. The Spaniard turns 31 years of age today but the celebration party might be put on hold for a few days as he is in a winning position at the second Grand Slam of the year, his beloved french open. Drawing a line at the bottom of the first week in Paris puts Nadal as the main favorite for the men's singles title.
His tennis has reached a surreal level letting nothing on the table for his opponents. Three compelling wins in a row secured a spot in the round of 16 for the 31-year-old tennis star.
Another French Open title almost a sure bet
The clay court swing was completely about Rafael Nadal and his capacity to build a strong momentum. There was only one glitch in the system just before the French Open when Nadal was eliminated in Rome by Dominic Thiem. But the Spaniard record on clay in 2017 consist of 3 ATP titles including two Masters 1000 in Monte-Carlo and then in Madrid.
When it comes to Roland Garros, the 2-weeks-run on the Parisian clay courts, Nadal entered the contest as the leading character despite being the fourth seed.
Having Murray, Djokovic, and Wawrinka with no solid game on the clay session, Nadal is entitled to hope for the best in Paris. A 10th triumph would put him on the map once more and his chances to regain the world no. 1 spot will increase in a significant way. Throughout the first week in Paris, the former 9 times champion did no wrong steps.
Each time, he won in straight sets having almost zero emotions on his side. In the fourth round, he will face his fellow compatriot Roberto Bautista-Agut (18 ATP) who is an excellent clay performer. The quarterfinals could oppose Nadal either with Milos Raonic (6 ATP) or Pablo Carreno-Busta (21 ATP).
Nadal is thriving while other top contenders are struggling
Nadal is navigating in apparently safe waters while Novak Djokovic (the defending champion), Andy Murray (2016 runner-up) or Stan Wawrinka (2015 champion and 2016 semifinalist) are far from having their best days on the tennis court. These facts do nothing but to increase the Spaniard chances. It all might come to an end where Nadal will celebrate another birthday by raising above his head one more French Open title. For Nadal, the 15th Grand Slam title seems just a matter of time.
