Defending champion Rafael Nadal dominates Roland Garros opener

Rafael Nadal is off to a winning start at the 2019 French Open. He ousts his qualifying challenger during his Roland Garros opener.

The King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, is back at it again at the 2019 French Open. The two-time defending and 11-time overall champion in men’s singles makes a statement during his opener this week at the major tournament. Rafa is out for yet another Grand Slam title and he’s off to the start that he needs.

Taking down German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets, Nadal wins 6-2 6-1 6-3. Hanfmann had not dropped a single set in any of his three qualifying matches, even defeating two seeded qualifiers prior to falling to Nadal in the round of 128.

Up next for the defending champion is another German tennis player and qualifier. He goes up against Yannick Maden who is coming off of a hard-fought win over Kimmer Coppejans. Maden won two tiebreakers in the first two sets before cruising through the third.

Nadal is undoubtedly the heavy favorite in the upcoming round of 64 meeting. We already broke down Rafa’s overall draw when it was announced last week. Check it out here. The King of Clay can continue to gather some serious momentum if he takes down Maden with ease. Do you think his upcoming opponent stands a chance?

Roland Garros has historically belonged to Nadal. He enters the field this year as one of the players to beat, alongside world number one Novak Djokovic and others such as Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, and Alexander Zverev.

We like Rafael Nadal moving forward at the French Open. He, along with Djokovic, ought to be considered the heavy favorite in men’s singles. He should look to take down Maden in straight sets during their round of 64 match. The two square off on Wednesday at Roland Garros. Check back to see how all of the action in both men’s and women’s tennis unfolds at the 2019 French Open.