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Don't call me favourite: Nadal
Rafael Nadal's dream of becoming the first man in 23 years to win the French Open on his debut got off to a flying start on Monday.
Rafael Nadal's dream of becoming the first man in 23 years to win the French Open on his debut got off to a flying start on Monday with an impressive first round 6-1, 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win over Germany's Lars Burgsmuller.
The 18-year-old Nadal, playing in his first Roland Garros, is looking to emulate Swedish great Mats Wilander who clinched the title on his French Open bow in 1982.
The teenager has spent the spring constantly playing down talk of being the favourite here despite clinching five clay court titles in 2005, but he hammered home his credentials again on Monday notching his 18th win in a row.
"I don't think I should be the favourite the way I played today," said Nadal.
"I am the player who has won some of the last touranments on clay. I'm 18 years old. I don't think I have ever been a favourite. Roger Federer at Wimbledon is maybe a favourite, but on clay, everything is open.
"I am told at press conferences that I am favourite and that bothers me sometimes because I tend to believe it and it puts pressure on me. It's better to play when you're not under pressure."
Nadal showed no signs of first day nerves against the journeyman Burgsmuller winning in 1hr 45mins to set up a second round clash against Belgium's Xavier Malisse.
The muscular fourth seed, playing in his now customary three-quarter length trousers, was forced to miss the 2003 French Open because of an elbow injury and then had to sit out the 2004 event due to a stress fracture in his left ankle.
Burgsmuller was never in with a chance as his approach of all-out assault on the Nadal game sparked 40 unforced errors while the Spaniard happily smashed 38 winners past him.
"It was not the best match I have ever played," said Nadal who is seeded to face Federer in the semi-finals.
"Of course, when you play a Grand Slam you are under more stress. I feel good and I only hope to improve.
"I need a little bit more confidence in my shots. I think the ball is a little bit strange. You have to adapt to the court.
"I felt a little more nervous than usual but I wanted to look at this as just another match, with nothing special about it."
The unassuming Nadal will be 19 on the day of the semi-finals here.
"I hope I will still be in Paris to celebrate my birthday because it is the day of the semi-finals - but I might be home in Mallorca fishing."
