Nadal beats Federer in Madrid for 18th Masters win
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
MADRID, May 17 (AP): The way Rafael Nadal has been playing on clay, it's hard to imagine he won't take home a fifth French Open title this year.
Nadal improved to 15-0 on clay this season and won a record 18th Masters title Sunday, beating top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the Madrid final.
Nadal, who will return to No. 2 in Monday's rankings, dodged questions about being the favourite at the French Open starting May 23.
"I'm very happy with everything so far this year. I think I've returned to my top form and that's the most important thing for me," Nadal said.
Nadal improved to 15-0 on clay this season and won a record 18th Masters title Sunday, beating top-ranked Roger Federer 6-4, 7-6 (5) in the Madrid final.
Nadal, who will return to No. 2 in Monday's rankings, dodged questions about being the favourite at the French Open starting May 23.
"I'm very happy with everything so far this year. I think I've returned to my top form and that's the most important thing for me," Nadal said.