Rafael Nadal can still get nervous competing at the French Open, according to his uncle Toni.
Toni, who has been the coach of Rafael since the start of the King of Clay's professional tennis career, admitted that the 29-year-old can still get nervous despite having already accustomed himself from the tough competition of the French Open, winning a record nine titles at the event.
"The first round is complicated, because Roland-Garros is where a big part of our season plays out. Rafa's always a bit nervous during the first rounds here. He always has been in the past. I don't think anything will change this for me," Toni said before Rafa started his quest for a 10th French Open title in Paris.
Rafael was far from being nervous in his win against Australia's Sam Groth in the opening round of Roland Garros. The 14-time Grand Slam winner made light work of Groth 6-1 6-1 6-1 as the Spaniard displayed his brilliance in playing on a clay surface. It was like old times for Rafa, who has earned plenty of success when playing on the clay-courts of Stade Roland Garros.
"It's great to play here in France and in Roland Garros. I feel always the support of the crowd here," Rafa said. "[This] is the most important place in my career, so to feel the support of the people here is something very special for me... Thank them for that."
Rafael has never won a major title since defeating Novak Djokovic two years ago at the French capital. But despite the Grand Slam losing-slump, the world No. 5 regained a boost in confidence just in time for Roland Garros after winning back-to-back titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona.
With Roger Federer out of the tournament, this year presents as the best chance for Rafa to claim another title at the French Open, although Djokovic and Andy Murray are also in conversation to win the second Grand Slam event of the year.
The fourth-seeded Rafael will next face Argentine Facundo Bagnis, who also collected a three-setter win against France's Kenny De Schepper 6-0 6-2 7-6(2).