2022 French Open: Rafael Nadal wins his 300th major match
Spanish ace Rafael Nadal defeated Corentin Moutet in the second round of the 2022 French Open on Wednesday. The former earned a straight-set victory (6-3, 6-1, 6-4), proceeding to the third round. Nadal has become only the third man to win 300 matches at Grand Slams after Roger Federer (369) and Novak Djokovic (324). It was Nadal's 107th win at Roland Garros.
Nadal won a total of 90 points and 27 winners in the match. He smashed a solitary ace, while Moutet did not strike any. The Spaniard won 48% (36/75) of the receiving points and 58% (7/12) of break points. Nadal claimed 76% (19/25) of net points. Moutet recorded as many as 24 unforced errors and three double faults.
🎥 Grand Slam win 3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ for No.5 @RafaelNadal 👇#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/px9XymLlIJ
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 26, 2022
As stated, Nadal has become the third man to have won 300 matches at Grand Slams. He now has a win-loss record of 300-41 at majors. Roger Federer (369-60) and Novak Djokovic (324-46) occupy the top two spots.
As per the ATP, Nadal has improved his record against French players at Roland Garros to 10-0. Overall, the Spaniard is 96-13 against Frenchmen, including 16 consecutive wins. Nadal now has a perfect record (14-0) against lefties at the French Open (114-16 overall). The 35-year-old is 52-0 until the fourth round at Roland Garros, barring his walkover in 2016.
Nadal will next take on Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round at the French Open. The 26th seed got past the second round after Fabio Fognini retired through injury. Notably, Zandschulp has been seeded for the first time at a major.
Nadal had entered the 2022 French Open with 13 titles, the most at a single Grand Slam and on a single surface (clay) He missed out on a record-extending 14th Roland Garros title last year, having lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. The Spaniard could go the extra mile this time. He is set to secure a record-extending 22nd major title.
