Rafael Nadal Will Cruise to 2013 French Open Title

Rafael Nadal has improved radically since the start of the 2013 French Open and his reawakening will lead to a title.

“I played much better today than the first three matches, no doubt about that,” said Nadal after making quick work of Kei Nishikori on Monday, according to ESPN. “Seriously, if you told me two days ago you will play like this today, I will say, ‘Give me the paper and I will sign,’ because I'm happy the way I improved my game today.”

Nadal defeated Nishikori by a score of 6-4, 6-1, 6-3. The performance was his most dominant by far at Roland Garros this year. He lost the first set of his earlier matches against Daniel Brands and Martin Klizan and nearly lost it vs. Fabio Fognini.

It would’ve been a challenge for Rafa to beat Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer if his struggles continued. Now that they’re behind him, it’s difficult to image the French Open favorite falling this June.

Djokovic may have defeated Nadal at the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters, but one recent win doesn’t outweigh the history that is on the Spaniard’s side.

Rafa is 56-1 all-time in the French Open. He’s won the Roland Garros tournament seven times including the last three.

Nadal is 12-3 all-time against Djokovic on clay and 3-0 in 2012, including a victory in the French Open final. His resume against Federer is even more impressive. He’s 13-2 all-time against the Swiss star on clay, including five French Open finals.

Rafa already boasts 36 match wins and six ATP titles under his belt this year. A few slow starts in his favorite tournament don’t outweigh his resume.

Several other players must still be beat for Nadal to face off against either of his two rivals. However, history would suggest he’ll not only play them both, but he’ll beat them both.

David Daniels is a breaking news writer at Bleacher Report and news editor at Wade-O Radio.

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