Rafael Nadal wants to win next Grand Slam at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal may still be far from his next Grand Slam singles title, but if the Spaniard would have the win anytime, he would like it to be at the French Open.

After winning the opening round of the Rio Open against compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta, Nadal had an interview with Brazilian cable television network SporTV and talked about the balance of his game and playing aggressively in recent tournaments. When asked about what Grand Slam he would choose to win next, the 29-year-old Nadal confessed he would want it to be at Roland Garros.

Nadal has won nine of his 14 Grand Slam trophies at the French Open, where he also recorded his last major title back in 2014. It is not a secret that the Mallorcan would want his next major title on tournaments with clay court, given that he has won 47 of all his 67 titles on the surface.

Nadal also has a career 91.8 winning percentage on clay courts, but he has yet to show a promising performance on his favourite surface this year after failing to defend his title at the Argentina Open. But the 14-time Grand Slam winner will have a chance to claim his first title of the season in Brazil as he tries to improve his famed forehand to get back to his previous level.

“I think my most important shot is the forehand. The backhand is also an important shot and when I play well (with it), I open the court more and have more chances,” Nadal said as translated by Tennis World USA. “In Buenos Aires, my backhand lacked, so I will try to do better here, but I also know that lately what has been lacking in my game the most has been confidence in my forehand.”

Meanwhile, Nadal received a walkover into the semifinal round of the Rio Open after QF opponent Alexandr Dolgopolov retired hurt with a shoulder injury suffered in a men’s doubles match. The Spaniard will play Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas in the final four stage.