World number two Rafael Nadal is just a win away from becoming the first man in history to win seven French Open titles. But first, he has to win the Sunday’s blockbuster men’s singles final match against top-ranked Novak Djokovic of Serbia, who’s aiming to emulate a 43-year old feat. Djokovic attempts to become the first male player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win four Grand Slam singles titles in succession.
In the past three Grand Slam finals, Nadal has help the runner-up trophies while watching Djokovic hold the championship trophies in those occasions. Djokovic was the hottest player on tour last year, embarking on a 43-0 match record during the first five months of 2011 before his amazing run was ended by Roger Federer at the Roland Garros semifinals. The Serbian avenged that defeat, blasting past Federer in the same stage on Friday to earn his very first Roland Garros final berth.
Whatever the result would be on Sunday, one thing’s for sure, one historic feat will be achieved.
“It is an opportunity for him. He’s No. 1 in the world. He is having a fantastic season. We’ll see tomorrow. It’s going to be a difficult match for me; hopefully for him, too. I will try my best, as every day,” Nadal said.
The Spaniard said that he feels the pressure of winning the match but it’s just the same as in the past years.
“The pressure is the same every year,” said Nadal.
“I am here because I try my best every day and because I have a lot of motivation to try to win the tournament. It is not because it’s the seventh, but because it’s Roland Garros. It’s one of my top tournaments of the year, if not the most important. So seriously, extra pressure for me with it being the seventh is zero. The pressure is the same as in any other final of Roland Garros, and that’s the most important thing for me,” he added.
