Paris: David Ferrer dismissed suggestions that Rafael Nadal is vulnerable at the moment and explained why the World No. 1 should be considered the favourite to win the French Open.Ferrer may well be looking out for his compatriot’s results, as Nadal will be his quarter-final opponent next week if the main draw pans out as expected at Roland Garros.
As you might expect, Ferrer was quizzed about Nadal today following his 6-4, 6-3, 6-1 dismissal of Igor Sijsling, and he did his best to silence the idea that Rafa might be more beatable than usual.
Many have focused on Nadal’s form following his quarter-final exits at the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open. However, it seems that pundits might be clutching at straws with the ‘Nadal confidence crisis’ story following the Mallorcan’s Madrid Masters triumph and runner-up showing at the Rome Masters.
Ferrer believes this story is being pushed by a number of people who don’t know much about tennis. He also doesn’t think that too much should be read into his victory against Nadal in Monte Carlo.
“Rafael, he’s No. 1 of the Race [to London rankings],” said Ferrer on Tuesday. “Of course he’s having very good moment. The people outside sometimes talk without know about the tennis. Here is a new season. Rafael is No. 1 of the world. He is the favourite in Roland Garros.”
Ferrer thinks it makes sense to overlook Nadal’s Monte Carlo and Barcelona campaigns. “He won in Madrid, he did final in Rome. And in clay court for me he’s the best player,” he said.
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