The whole of Rolland Garros stood up to applaud Rafael Nadal as he hit the winning shot and gave a flying kiss in the finals of the 2010 French Open. Nadal, who has already won this prestigious tennis tournament 4 times before, now becomes the second player after Bjorn Borg to win the French Open 5 times. The stylish and handsome Spanish who is now the World Number 1 displayed all round attack and won with absolute confidence against Robin Soderling.
Nadal With The Winners Trophy
From the start of the match itself, Swedish Soderling was no match against the prolific Nadal and could not put up much resistance. The latter showed supreme form right from the very first set and eventually won by 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. This win will really be a boost for Nadal who had been plagued by injuries in the last year. It will really instill more confidence and help him retain the current world title.
Nadal was determined to reverse the fortunes and take revenge against Soderling who had defeated him in last year’s final of the French Open and this time he proved his worth. The opponent was never allowed to play freely and showed lackluster performance in the entire match. In the first set itself, Nadal broke him to take control of the set by 6-4.
In the second set, Soderling tried to come back but failed to capitalize on the opportunities due to Nadal’s excellent show of skills. He was never allowed to dominate. With a combination of high class drop shots and forehands, the latter was again able to win two vital break points in the set and ended up with 6-2.
Nadal's Power Packed Backhand
Things were already going out of control for Soderling in the third set and the strong serves of Nadal were too much for him. The former was losing energy and confidence steadily and at one time was looking like completely surrendering to the latter’s mode of play. On the other hand, Nadal was gaining on confidence shot after shot and was absolutely taking his rival into grip. Towards the end Soderling did showed some descent display of shots but was easily overcome. Nadal finished the set with 6-4 and went on to win without much trouble.
Rafael Nadal has been successful in clay courts as it suites his attacking style of play and strong serves. This win will really be another feather into his cap and also please thousands of tennis fans all round the globe.
