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Rafael Nadal set to win a title leading up to the French Open

By Harry Floyd

Apr 2, 2017; Key Biscayne, FL, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a backhand against Roger Federer of Switzerland (not pictured) in the men's singles championship of the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Federer won 6-3, 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Key Biscayne, FL, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a backhand against Roger Federer of Switzerland (not pictured) in the men's singles championship of the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Federer won 6-3, 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rafael Nadal has started the year in fine form. Despite coming up short of a title so far, he is set to win leading up to the French Open.

Rafael Nadal is gearing up for his favorite time of the season.

“The King of Clay” has 9 French Open titles to his name. The vast majority of his 14 Grand Slam singles titles have come at Roland Garros. With a 19-5 singles record in 2017, Nadal is surging at just the right time.

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Nadal finished runner-up to Roger Federer at the Australian Open earlier this year.

After the tough loss to Federer, the Spanish tennis player went on to also finish second at the Mexican Open to Sam Querrey. Two tournaments later, Nadal would also finish runner-up to Federer again at the Miami Open.

Now, it is Rafael Nadal’s time to win.

The world No. 5 is gearing up for the Monte-Carlo Masters in the coming weeks. There, Nadal is a nine-time champion and the defending champion. With Federer taking time off before Roland Garros, Nadal should dominant the clay season.

World No. 1 Andy Murray and No. 2 Novak Djokovic can be contenders if they are healthy, but Nadal seems to be in the exact place he must be to win right now. Both Murray and Djokovic are expected to be at Monte-Carlo. After they each missed time due to injury, it would serve them well to play several tournaments leading up to Roland Garros.

As for Rafael Nadal, look for him to continue his strong play in 2017. With his favorite time of year upon him, the world No. 5 will surely take advantage of the weeks ahead.

Next: 10 Best Men's Players in Open Era

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