Rafa Nadal kicks off in Paris. Although you need to fine tune your game. In his first game on the track of Bercy, Adrian Mannarino , a Frenchman invited by the organization of the Masters 1000 who was tough and fierce (7-5 ​​and 6-4 in 1h: 48 ') was imposed.

Despite the mistakes to correct, seeing him run from one end of the track to the other, celebrating the points won or taking his genius was a joy. A year ago, he did not play a match in the Paris tournament. He trained and, injured, announced his abandonment. Now, whatever happens, you will leave the French capital with the number 1 in your pocket. Depending on your results and those of Novak Djokovic, you could even make sure to finish the year at the head of the ATP classification.

The Serbian also won. It also cost him his thing, 1h 46 '. Because Frenchman Corentin Moutet , 97 of the world, resisted him. The young 20-year promise had two set balls in the first but ended up bowing in sudden death. (7-6 (2) and 6-4).

Nadal said he was "Happy with the victory and happy to compete here." Without going through the shower, he shared his "good feelings" with the media. He confirmed that the break that prevailed after New York was "a good decision." He believes that his "game suits this surface better than 10 or 15 years ago" and declared himself "satisfied with his serve."

Mannarino took the equality in the first sleeve until 5-5 thanks to his serve and his desire to fight. And in the tenth game, he managed to lift a set ball. Just went to fail in the decisive that began with double fault and concluded with a ball (easy in appearance) to the net.

In the second, Nadal raised his aggressiveness by one degree but the Frenchman responded by taking him from side to side of the track. The gale of Nadal's game collided with a serene Mannarino ... until the decisive moment when he left one left with Nadal in the back. The champion did not hesitate a second and in the first match ball he certified his victory against the French tough.

Djokovic has won here four times. His nemesis is the manacorí. If in spring, on earth is the king of Paris, in autumn, the hard track of this enclosure of the East is choked. His twelve Roland Garros trophies contrast with the emptiness of the 1000 Master, one of the few missing in his medal winners.

He has only played the final once, twelve years ago: he lost to Argentine David Nalbandián (6-4, 6-0). Your physical problems undermine your history. In five participations, he only reached the semifinals in 2009 and 2013.

This year everything seems different. It's healthy. And with desire. The Swiss Wawrinka, a bone, will be the real touchstone today.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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  • Rafael Nadal
  • Paris
  • tennis
  • 1000 Masters

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