PARIS: Rafael Nadal insists winning a record 10th French Open title on Sunday, and his 15th career Grand Slam crown, would not be his greatest achievement.
His proudest moment, he believes, came at his lowest ebb back in 2012 and 2013 when it seemed certain that his career-long battle against knee and wrist injuries would finally be lost.
But, from a seemingly fruitless position, he then engineered one of the sport’s most remarkable seasons.
“It’s true that 10 is a beautiful number, but actually my favourite is nine,” said Nadal, the nine-time champion at Roland Garros.
“For sure if it becomes 10 it will be my favourite.
“But the thing that I am more proud of in my career probably is 2013. It was amazing.”
Nadal missed seven months of action between 2012 and 2013 due to a left knee injury and then a stomach virus.
But when he returned, he swept to the French and US Open titles and reclaimed the world number one spot.
“I had too many problems on my knee, so I was not able to practice at all. And I finished the year being World No. 1, winning here (in Paris), winning the US Open. So that’s the thing that I am more proud,” said Nadal.
The 31-year-old Spaniard has coasted into a 10th French Open final, where he faces 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka on Sunday, without dropping a set. — AFP