Record-breaking win for clay king Nadal

CLAY-COURT king Rafael Nadal was unable to hide his delight after setting a new record for consecutive wins on the surface, and securing his place in the second round of the French Open.

The 19-year-old Spaniard routed Sweden’s Robin Soderling 6-2 7-5 6-1 on Philippe Chatrier court to mark his 54th successive win on clay, beating Guillermo Vilas’ previous record which had stood since 1977.

Nadal has won the last nine events he has played on the red surface, including victories at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome.