Nadal Opens Campaign For 12th Roland Garros Crown

Rafael Nadal enjoyed a trouble-free start on Monday in his bid to capture an incredible 12th Roland Garros crown.

The Spanish superstar improved to an 87-2 record at the clay-court Grand Slam championship with a 6-2, 6-1, 6-3 first-round victory over German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in one hour and 57 minutes on Court Philippe-Chatrier, which has been rebuilt over the past 12 months.

Nadal, who is one week shy of celebrating his 33rd birthday, is now 15-3 during this year’s spring European clay swing, highlighted by his ninth crown at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome (d. Djokovic). Growing in confidence, he awaits the winner of a qualifier: Germany’s Yannick Maden or Kimmer Coppejans of Belgium.

Exclusive: Go Behind The Scenes With Nadal During 2019 Clay Swing

Nadal saved four break points in the opening game against Hamfmann, who struck a forehand into the net to hand the second seed a 2-0 advantage. At 3-1 up, Nadal won six of the next seven games through excellent service placement and by taking time away from Hanfmann.

Hanfmann attempted to mix up his tactics in the third set, showing greater willingness to attack the net, but he proved to be a target for Nadal, who broke in the third game en route to his 112th win in 114 best-of-five-set red dirt matches.

Nadal’s only loss against a qualifier in 22 major championship matches came against German Dustin Brown in June 2015 in the Wimbledon second round.

from Tennis - ATP World Tour http://bit.ly/2XaAI4D