French Open 2021: ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal on the verge of breaking Jimmy Connors’ all-time Grand Slam record

French Open 2021: ‘King of Clay’ Rafael Nadal on the verge of breaking Jimmy Connors’ all-time Grand Slam record

Rafael Nadal

King of clay Rafael Nadal recently went past Richard Gasquet in the second round of the French Open 2021 without much hassle. He dominated the game throughout and defeated his opponent in straight sets by 6-0, 7-5, 6-2 after an easy win in the first round against Alexei Popyrin.

The southpaw’s love affair with the clay seems to be getting stronger each day. Moreover, if he continues to thrash his opponents in the French Open 2021, he might achieve an incredible record.

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Rafael Nadal just a single bagel away from equaling Jimmy Connors’ record

The Spaniard was able to bagel Gasquet in the first set of his last encounter, taking his bagel score to 21 at the French Open. The flamboyant player is now just a single bagel away from equalling Jimmy Connors’ record.

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Legendary tennis champion Jimmy Connors managed 22 bagels at the US Open in his illustrious career which is still the most by any player at any ATP event. Now, Rafa dominates the French Open as Connors used to do in the US Open.

If Nadal bagels another one of his opponents in the remaining matches of the French Open 2021, he’ll equal the record of Connors. With another bagel, the swashbuckling left-hander will surpass him.

Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal

Moreover, it’s not just Roland Garros where Rafa has bamboozled his counterparts, he has also bageled his opponents on 11 occasions each at the Monte Carlo Masters and at the Barcelona Open. It is no secret that Nadal loves to play on the clay court and his astonishing numbers depict why he is called the ‘King of Clay.’

Nadal will next take on Cameron Norrie in the third round of the French Open 2021. He has won 30 straight matches in the tournament so far and it seems like there is no one stopping him at this stage. If Rafa manages to win the tournament, it will be his 14th title win in the French Open.

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