Boris Becker Acknowledges Rafael Nadal's Unmatched Dominance at the French Open

When Rafael Nadal plays his final match at Roland Garros, it will mark the end of one of the greatest love stories in sports.

Nadal burst onto the scene at the 2005 French Open, defeating Roger Federer on his 19th birthday. Since then, he has only been defeated three times on the clay courts of Paris in the last 19 years.

Nadal has an impressive record in Paris, with 112 wins and only 3 losses, giving him a remarkable win rate of 97.4%. Unfortunately, he had to pull out of his third-round match in 2016 due to an injury.

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - June 4, 2022 Poland's Iga Swiatek kisses the trophy after winning the women's singles final match against Cori Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Yves Herman TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Poland's Iga Swiatek celebrates her victory at the French Open in Roland Garros, Paris, France on June 4, 2022. She won the women's singles final match against Cori Gauff of the U.S. Swiatek kissed the trophy in joy. The photo was captured by Yves Herman of Reuters.

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The 'King of Clay' statue at the French Open entrance has made the Spaniard's name synonymous with the tournament since 2021.

Tennis legend Boris Becker expressed awe at Rafael Nadal's 14 French Open victories, stating, "You win it five times, that's a lot. You win it 10 times, it's impossible. Nadal's won it 14 times. I don't know any other record in any other sport that equals that."

Becker mentions some of tennis' legends, including himself, who did not win the French Open, to emphasize how incredible Nadal's record at the tournament is.

The 56-year-old German pointed out, "[Bjorn] Borg won it six times, which was unprecedented at the time, but [Pete] Sampras, [Stefan] Edberg, and Becker himself never managed to win it. So, it's not a big deal to not have won the French Open."

I really enjoyed playing in Paris. The support from the fans was amazing, they appreciated my style of play. Even though I never managed to win the tournament, it was the only major I didn't conquer. I reached the semifinals a few times and gave it my all with my unique playing style," shared Becker, known for his powerful serve and volley game.

Nadal's playing style is perfect for clay courts. The heavy topspin on his shots causes the ball to grip the surface and bounce high, making it challenging for opponents. This particular aspect of his game has been a struggle for Federer, especially on his backhand side, throughout their matches over the years.

Nadal won the first grand slam of his career at the 2005 French Open.

Nadal won the first grand slam of his career at the 2005 French Open.

Rafael Nadal's quickness and flexibility help him cover more ground on the tennis court compared to other players. This makes his opponents have to hit more shots to score a point. Additionally, his speed allows him to anticipate and position himself well before hitting the ball, giving him the ability to gracefully slide across the clay court as he makes his shots.

The loose clay absorbs some ball speed, which can make shots slower and rallies longer. This used to give Nadal an advantage due to his peak physical form, but now with his injuries, it may work against him.

According to Becker, the ultimate goal on clay is to make one less mistake than the opponent. Unlike other surfaces, the focus is not on hitting more winners but on minimizing errors to win on a clay court.

Playing on clay courts requires a lot of physical effort. The technique used for sliding on clay is unique compared to other surfaces.

Having a strong forehand topspin or backhand topspin is beneficial, but players nowadays also use drop shots, kick serves, and approach the net frequently. Therefore, being versatile is crucial when playing on clay courts.

The French Open crowd is often talked about every year, with opinions being mixed - some positive, some negative. However, many agree that it creates a lively and energetic atmosphere unlike any other tennis tournament in the world.

According to Becker, the support or opposition from the passionate crowd can significantly influence the result of a match.

Nadal, it goes without saying, is always the darling of the French Open crowd and has enjoyed vociferous support in some of his toughest matches.

The French Open was the only grand slam Becker failed to win.

The French Open was the only grand slam Becker failed to win.

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Playing on Philippe Chatrier in front of a Parisian crowd is a special and tough experience, according to Becker. The court is one of the largest clay courts in tennis, which can be overwhelming for players.

The Parisian crowd is like no other in the world, with its unique and loud atmosphere. Their support can give players a great boost, but if they are not on your side, it can make it very difficult to succeed.

“So I think the crowd almost matters more in Paris than anywhere else in the world.”

Editor's P/S:

Rafael Nadal's incredible journey at Roland Garros is a testament to his unwavering spirit and unparalleled dominance on clay. His 14 French Open titles stand as an unbreakable record, a testament to his skill, resilience, and the deep connection he has forged with the tournament. Nadal's unique playing style, perfectly suited for the clay's unforgiving surface, has made him a formidable opponent, capable of outlasting his rivals with his relentless topspin and exceptional court coverage.

Beyond his on-court achievements, Nadal's legacy at Roland Garros is also intertwined with the passionate Parisian crowd. Their unwavering support has fueled his greatest triumphs and pushed him to new heights. The atmosphere at Philippe Chatrier is unmatched, creating a unique and electrifying experience that both inspires and intimidates players. For Nadal, the love and admiration of the French fans have been an integral part of his journey, making his Roland Garros story not just about individual brilliance but also about a profound connection with the tournament and its passionate audience.