Nadal cruises into French Open second round

Published May 24, 2016
Rafael Nadal of Spain vs Sam Groth of Australia — Reuters
Rafael Nadal of Spain vs Sam Groth of Australia — Reuters

PARIS: Nine-time champion Rafael Nadal stormed into the French Open second round on Tuesday with a 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 mauling of Australia's Sam Groth.

Nadal, the fourth seed, took his overall record in Paris to 71 wins against just two losses.

The Spaniard needed only 80 minutes to see off the big-serving Groth, as the former committed just two unforced errors in the process.

He next faces either Facundo Bagnis of Argentina or French qualifier Kenny de Schepper.

Nadal, who turns 30 next week, has won two titles on clay this season, including the Monte Carlo Masters in April.

He ended his opponent's misery with a trademark crosscourt forehand winner on his second match point on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

Opinion

Four hundred seats?

Four hundred seats?

The mix of divisive cultural politics and grow­th-oriented economics that feeds Hindu middle-class ambition and provides targeted welfare are key ingredients in the BJP’s political trajectory.

Editorial

Weathering the storm
Updated 29 Apr, 2024

Weathering the storm

Let 2024 be the year when we all proactively ensure that our communities are safeguarded and that the future is secure against the inevitable next storm.
Afghan repatriation
29 Apr, 2024

Afghan repatriation

COMPARED to the roughshod manner in which the caretaker set-up dealt with the issue, the elected government seems a...
Trying harder
29 Apr, 2024

Trying harder

IT is a relief that Pakistan managed to salvage some pride. Pakistan had taken the lead, then fell behind before...
Return to the helm
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Return to the helm

With Nawaz Sharif as PML-N president, will we see more grievances being aired?
Unvaxxed & vulnerable
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Unvaxxed & vulnerable

Even deadly mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria have vaccines, but they are virtually unheard of in Pakistan.
Gaza’s hell
Updated 28 Apr, 2024

Gaza’s hell

Perhaps Western ‘statesmen’ may moderate their policies if a significant percentage of voters punish them at the ballot box.