Nadal admits French Open nerves

MADRID – Rafael Nadal says he was nervous before beating Novak Djokovic to collect a record seventh French Open after a rain-delayed final.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Rafael Nadal claimed the French Open title for the seventh time. Net photo.

MADRID – Rafael Nadal says he was nervous before beating Novak Djokovic to collect a record seventh French Open after a rain-delayed final.The finale of Nadal’s 6-4 6-3 2-6 7-5 win came on Monday after play ended on Sunday with Djokovic in control. "I wasn’t ready for the match until three minutes before,” said Nadal."That was the first moment since we stopped yesterday that I really felt that I am here to play. I really felt nervous.”Nadal had lost eight of the final nine games played in persistent drizzle on Sunday evening, including an early break in the fourth set, and was visibly irritated by the decision to continue playing despite deteriorating conditions underfoot.The Spaniard’s mood and form had both markedly improved when play resumed on the Court Philippe Chatrier on Monday - and he broke Djokovic twice to bring the match to a swift conclusion and surpass Bjorn Borg’s tally of six titles in Paris.