RAFAEL NADAL was left to reflect on an “almost perfect” performance after crushing Roger Federer to win the French Open for the fourth time in succession today.

Rafael Nadal got his French Open title defence off to a winning start – but the Spanish king of clay admitted he would need to improve on a sluggish first round performance.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO broke his Grand Slam duck and ensured the French Open men’s singles crown stayed in Spanish hands with yesterday’s 6-1, 6-3, 6-2 demolition of Dutch newcomer Martin Verkerk.

Albert Costa knows he will have to be at his swashbuckling best tomorrow if he is to defeat compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero in the French Open final and lift the coveted Musketeers Cup for the first time in his career.