French Open 2022: Rafael Nadal claims 300th Grand slam win to move to third round

Rafael Nadal continued his march in the ongoing French Open 2022 by beating Corentin Moutet by 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 at the Phillipe-Chartier on Wednesday. This was Nadal’s 107th win at Roland Garros, which helps him complete his 300th Grand slam win.

The Spaniard joins the elusive 300-club with Roger Federer (369) and Novak Djokovic (324). Nadal was delighted to get the job done in three straight sets. The 13-time champion was able to hit the ground running as he broke Moutet’s serve in the second game of the opening set.

Subsequently, Nadal once again broke the Frenchman’s serve in the opening game of the second set to continue his domination. The Spaniard had a double break in the third set but Moutet was able to get a break in the ninth game. However, Nadal once again broke Moutet’s serve in the 10th game to take the set by 6-4.

“I’m happy I am through in three sets, that’s an important fact for me and that gives me the chance to keep working tomorrow and try to be ready for after tomorrow against a tough opponent,” said Nadal, who will face Botic van de Zandschulp on Friday. “So let’s see. I am happy about a lot of things that I did tonight, so let’s try to keep going and keep improving tomorrow.”

Nadal went on to smash 27 winners throughout the game as he was at his best against Moutet. The Spaniard admitted he wasn’t at his best in the third set.

“I enjoyed more 6-1,” Nadal said. “After that I think I played a basic set. At the beginning of the third I [played] a very bad game at the beginning and I had to come back. I did well. And then, again, I had a couple of mistakes in the serving for the match. Happy that I played another good game to finish.”

Nadal also gave his gratitude to the Paris crowd which has always supported him over the years.

“I think the crowd was very nice with me too,” he said of the Chatrier crowd. “I really didn’t feel the crowd against me at all. I think it was 50-50 and it was supporting good tennis. “I always enjoy good support here in Paris. I think the people here know how special this place is for me and how important and how much respect I always had for Roland Garros. I think they appreciate all the things that I did in this event, so I feel a lot of love from the people here.”