Rafael Nadal: What Happens To Me In Rome Won’t Impact The French Open

Rafael Nadal plays every tournament like it’s the biggest event in the world. Slams, Masters, 500s and 250s, they are all the same to Rafa, and that includes the Rome event this week.

With the French Open just around the corner, Nadal isn’t looking ahead. His sole focus is winning in the moment.

“I never consider no one of these events like preparation for another one,” Nadal said of Rome. “Never approach it — no one event, Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, like an approach for Roland Garros. Every tournament is very important for itself. And for me, even more. Because I have a great story on all these events.

“I won here seven times. And, for me, it’s very special always to play here in this tournament. So, I can win Roland Garros losing here, and I can win Roland Garros winning here. I don’t think what gonna happen here gonna make a big impact on what can happen in two weeks.

“But there is one thing that is 100% sure, I am not thinking in Roland Garros when I am here. I am thinking all about Rome.”

Nadal has won 21 of hos last 22 matches on clay, and taken 50 of his last 52 sets. While Rafa lost his No. 1 ranking in Madrid, he will get it back by winning Rome.

Nadal begins that quest for an 8th Rome title tomorrow against either Fernando Verdasco or Damir Dzuhmur.

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