Rafael Nadal Joins Roger Federer And Novak Djokovic In 200 Grand Slam Match Win Club

Rafael Nadal joined some elusive company winning his 200th career Grand Slam match after bruising Facundo Bagnis in the second round at the French Open on Thursday.

As usual, Nadal, who turns 30 next Friday, wasn’t too interested in the milestone.

“My first Grand Slam was at Wimbledon in 2003. It had always been a dream for me,” said Nadal. “But the most important thing is a victory in the second round and not the 200 victories. It’s only another number.”

Nadal has been in excellent form thus far dropping just nine games in two matches. He should another easy day against countryman Marcel Granollers before a potential encounter with Dominic Thiem next Monday in the fourth round.

“I won two matches with comfortable results. I played the way that I had to play to be in the third round,” said Nadal. “After a difficult first three games today, I played a solid match with not many mistakes and having control of the situation most of the time. I need to keep playing better if I want to have chances in the next rounds.”

Nadal is 72-2 now at the French Open. He is seeking his 10th title in Paris.

MOST GRAND SLAM MATCH WINS
1 Roger Federer 302-50
2 Jimmy Connors 233-49
3 Andre Agassi 224-53
4 Ivan Lendl 222-49
5 Roy Emerson 217-48
6 Novak Djokovic 216-34
7 Pete Sampras 203-38
8 Rafael Nadal 200-30
9 Stefan Edberg 178-47
10 Ken Rosewall 171-34