Fear of failure fires up Nadal

Rafael Nadal admitted that a deep-seated fear of failure drove him to a record seventh French Open title and will keep him playing until his love of the sport finally drains away. Tennis bag

Rafael Nadal admitted that a deep-seated fear of failure drove him to a record seventh French Open title and will keep him playing until his love of the sport finally drains away. The 26-year-old Spaniard refuses to accept the crown as the greatest claycourt player of all time, despite surpassing Bjorn Borg’s six Roland Garros triumphs which he matched last year.

With 11 Grand Slam titles under his belt, he is steadily closing in on Roger Federer’s record of 16 and has time on his side being almost five years the Swiss star’s junior.

“I have always been scared of losing,” confessed Nadal. “That’s why I always have full respect for opponents, knowing I can win or lose. I have kept that focus for eight years.”

His record on clay makes impressive reading -- seven French Opens, eight Monte Carlo Masters, seven Barcelona titles, six Rome Masters and 50 career titles in all on all surfaces.

“It is not for me to say if I am one of the best. I have probably had the best results and it’s a great and emotional thing to win seven French Opens,” said Nadal, whose career record in Paris now stands at 52 wins and just one defeat. “But the important thing is to win Roland Garros, whether it’s the first time, sixth or seventh.”

His coach, and uncle, Toni Nadal claimed in the immediate aftermath of Monday’s win that his nephew was unfortunate to be playing at the same time as Djokovic and Roger Federer. The inference being that Nadal would have many more than the 11 majors he currently holds.

Of the last 34 Grand Slam tournaments, 31 have been shared between the world’s top three. Juan Martin del Potro was the last man to break the stranglehold when he won the 2009 US Open.

“I feel lucky to have achieved the things that I have,” said Nadal. “I have great rivals and even in such an era of fantastic players, I am happy to have won as many matches as I have. I am a lucky man.”

Unlike Borg, Nadal insists he has no intention of following the Swede’s example of retiring at the peak of his career. That is despite his long-standing battles against knee injuries which have often threatened to derail his career.

“I will be here until injuries restrict either me or my chances of playing. I will keep going as long as the motivation and the passion are with me,” he said.