Federer & Murray back Nadal to continue French Open dominance

05:08 04/12/2013
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  • Tennis’ big guns have backed Rafa Nadal to continue his French Open dominance, dismissing Novak Djokovic’s attempt to become the first man in 43 years to hold all four Grand Slam titles.

    World number one Djokovic already has the Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open crowns in his possession and a first French Open triumph in two weeks’ time would make him the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to complete the sweep.

    But Roger Federer believes that it is Nadal, chasing an unprecedented seventh Roland Garros title, who will be making history here, and not the Serb.

    “Rafa is the favourite for me,” said Federer, the 2009 champion in Paris. “I think he lost only two sets between Rome, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona, so that’s a pretty good start.

    “Then he’s playing for his seventh title, so no discussion. We’re crazy to even talk about this. Some people might say he’s not the favourite, but to me he’s the favourite.

    “I played him so many times here. I know how incredible he can be here in Roland Garros.

    “As for Novak, with all his results lately, he’s one of the big favourites. Likewise for me with everything I accomplished. But for me it would be Rafa, Novak, and me in third position.

    “To win three in a row is amazing and a fourth would be an amazing step,” added Federer. “The toughest part is the back end of it. Twice I was close, just a couple of sets away playing Rafa here which didn’t make it any easier. But it’s amazing for tennis to have Novak in this situation.”

    Andy Murray

    Likewise, world number four Andy Murray has tipped Nadal to keep winning at Roland Garros. Murray, who could meet the six-time champion in the semi-finals for a second successive year, is convinced that the great Spaniard has many more Roland Garros titles in him.

    “I think the fact that he started at such a young age is what’s most impressive,” said Murray. “He won it when he was maybe 17 the first time, or 18. That, to me, is what’s been most impressive about it. It’s obviously still going, as well. I’m sure he’ll have more great runs here.

    “I’m sure he’ll win the event a few more times probably before he finishes.”

    Murray, still bidding for his own first Grand Slam title, enjoyed his best showing in Paris in 2011 when he reached the semi-finals before falling in straight sets to Nadal. But his participation this time around was put in doubt by a back injury picked up in Rome, a problem which has plagued him since December.

    “My back is going to be fine,” he said Friday. “I have been here about close to a week now. I have had some good practice and feel good.”

    Rafa Nadal

    However, Nadal has shrugged off his assault on a record seventh French Open title on Friday and admitted that by equalling Bjorn Borg’s super six last year he had already defied his own expectations.

    “I have much more than I ever dreamed,” said Nadal. “I am coming here every year with the motivation to play well. But I am not going to be more motivated because I have six and I can win seven. No. I was not more motivated when I arrived here in 2005 than today.

    “I was not more motivated in 2010 when I lost in 2009. The motivation always is the same — sometimes you lose; sometimes you win. That’s sport and that’s the game.”

    Despite his caution, the 25-year-old admits, however, that stopping his seven-final losing streak to Djokovic, and reeling off two wins on clay this spring against the Serb, could prove crucial over the next two weeks in Paris.

    Those victories gave him a seventh Monte Carlo and sixth Rome Masters crown.

    “I started the red clay court season very well. I played fantastic tournaments in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome. I’m playing well.

    “I arrive here with positive feelings, and I will try my best to be very competitive and to be in the right level to have my chances.”

     

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