French Open 'Decima' not an obsession for Nadal

"I feel ready, as I've felt good in the clay tournaments I've played, but you never know what can happen and every match can be dangerous... Paris is a special tournament for me but the 10th title is not an obsession," Nadal said.

Published : May 20, 2016 01:09 IST , Paris

Rafael Nadal celebrates victory in Rome.
Rafael Nadal celebrates victory in Rome.
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Rafael Nadal celebrates victory in Rome.

Rafael Nadal says the prospect of winning a 10th French Open title is not an "obsession" as he finalises his plans for Roland Garros.

Nadal heads to Paris arguably in his best form since triumphing at the event in 2014, having won clay-court competitions in Monte Carlo and Barcelona before a semifinal defeat to reigning champion Andy Murray in Madrid.

No man has won more titles at one major than Nadal's nine at the French Open.

READ: >Injured Federer withdraws from French Open

In contrast to his beloved Real Madrid's feted 'Decima' in the Champions League, Nadal claimed he feels under little pressure ahead of the second slam of the year.

"Unlike last year, I had good clay tournaments prior to Roland Garros and the only thing remaining now is having good days of practice in Paris," he told IB3

"I feel ready, as I've felt good in the clay tournaments I've played, but you never know what can happen and every match can be dangerous. You just need to try to pay attention and be ready when the first match arrives.

"The most important thing is to play well. If I play well, I am confident in my chances to compete well against everybody, and then we'll see what happens. 

READ: >Wawrinka: Federer withdrawal 'sad' and 'scary'

"Paris is a special tournament for me but the 10th title is not an obsession."

Fifth seed at Roland Garros, Nadal is on a quarter-final collision course with world number one Novak Djokovic.

"Obviously some draws are better than others," he added. "But in the end it's a question of getting ready to be competitive no matter who I draw. 

"Djokovic is the big favourite, as he's the number one, has been unbelievable in the last two years and has come very close to winning Roland Garros several times. 

"[Andy] Murray played three good tournaments and is one of the candidates to win. 

"Besides that, anyone who's able to have a good tournament and reach the final rounds will have chances and I hope to be among them."

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