Pink panther Nadal hunts down Brazilian

Rafael Nadal, sporting a bright pink shirt, began his campaign for an historic fifth successive French Open title on Monday with a 7-5, 6-4, 6-3 win over Brazilian qualifier Marcos Daniel.

The world number one, and top seed, took his career record to 29 wins in 29 matches at Roland Garros with his 2hr 23min victory over the world 97th-ranked Brazilian.

He will now face either Igor Kunitsyn or Teimuraz Gabashvili, both Russians, for a place in the last 32.

“The first match is always difficult. I was a little nervous because this tournament is very special to me, but I feel good,” said Nadal.

The Spanish star, who came into the French Open having lost his 33-match claycourt winning streak to Roger Federer in Madrid, was forced to battle against the 30-year-old Daniel, especially in the first two sets. Nadal broke to lead 5-4 but was pinned back to 5-5. Daniel couldn’t build on his momentum and Nadal nipped ahead again to 6-5 on his way to claiming the opening set.

Daniel broke for a 3-1 lead in the second set, but once again Nadal hit back immediately before eventually holding to love in the 10th game for a two sets lead. Nadal was now cruising, and breaks in the first and fifth games gave him a comfortable 4-1 advantage.

Daniel stopped the rot with a break back to trail 3-5 but again the Spanish claycourt king stepped up a gear in the ninth game, coming back from 0-40 down to take the game, and the match, when Daniel pushed a volley wide.

PARIS, AFP