Record-breaker Nadal thrilled with success

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 Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome, and admitted passing the Argentinian’s former leading mark was a great honour.

“This was very special for me to beat his record,” Nadal said after his match.

“Winning 54 matches in a row on clay is enormous.

“I was too small to watch Vilas’ matches on television but I am happy and delighted to write my name in the history books.”

Nadal admitted his worst enemy was not Soderling but the blustery conditions at Roland Garros.

“Today was probably one of the worst days to play on clay, the wind was terrible,” added Nadal.

“It was almost like playing on hard court for some points.

“This was a good test, I played good tennis in the first set before experiencing a lapse of form in the second.

“Then I recaptured my momentum and won. I felt a little bit under pressure but the most important thing was to win.”

When asked about his rivalry with world number one Roger Federer, Nadal insisted they were not the only two players capable of lifting the French Open trophy on June 11.

“I never agree with the idea of favourites,” added Nadal.

“For me the only favourite is the one who will lift the trophy.

“There is not only me and Federer who play good tennis on clay. A lot of players have what it takes to win the tournament.”

The 2004 French Open winner Gaston Gaudio also progressed to the next round by storming past Croatia’s Roko Karanusic 6-2 6-2 6-2.

The 27-year-old Argentinian was not satisfied with his performance however, and insisted he would have to improve his game to keep his chances alive in Paris.

“I don’t think I played an excellent game,” he said.

“It was the first time he (Karanusic) was playing at Roland Garros so I made the most of that opportunity.

“I played a bit better than him but it wasn’t anything special really.

“I am going to have to improve my game a little because the way I’ve been playing lately does not make me think I will be able to win here.

“I will see how I can improve in my next match.”

Eighth seed James Blake of the United States dispatched Thailand’s Paradorn Srichaphan 6-0 6-4 7-6 (7/3) while 2003 French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero, who is seeded 24th, and French talent Richard Gasquet also advanced.

Sixth seed Nikolay Davydenko and 11th-seeded Czech, Radek Stepanek, ousted USA’s Vincent Spadea and France’s Michael Llodra, respectively, to progress to the second round.