Rafael Nadal secured his 300th win at a Grand Slam at Roland Garros on Wednesday before saying he was feeling in control of his foot injury.
Nadal missed much of last season with the problem but appeared to be largely over it when he made a blistering start to the year which included the Australian Open title.
He was visibly struggling with it in Rome just before the French Open, though, prompting fears he would be well short of his best in Paris.
However, he showed few signs of struggle in his straight sets win over Corentin Moutet in the second round, and he seemed in positive mood after the match.
“Of course, the last couple of months haven’t been easy,” Nadal said, “even [though] the beginning of the season has been fantastic, unforgettable and very emotional.
“After Indian Wells I had the problem on my rib, I had to be off the court for a while so it’s day by day work.
“The victories helps a lot and playing rallies with matches like tonight [is] so important so that gives me the chance to have another practice tomorrow and then another match after tomorrow.”
“So day by day just enjoying the fact that I’m in Roland Garros, most important tournament of the year for me so far, just enjoying that fact and let’s see what can happen.”
Nadal will face Botic van de Zandschlup in the third round. The Dutchman was two sets up when he got a walkover against the injured Fabio Fognini.
The performance of Nadal impressed in the Eurosport studio too, with Tim Henman particularly impressed.
“He is out there, looking aggressive and so focused,” Henman said. “Such an important aspect is the way he is moving.
“We had our doubts, in Rome he looked uncomfortable, but to get through these opening two rounds in straight sets, he will be absolutely thrilled with his progress.”
Only Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the history of men’s tennis have now won more matches at Grand Slams than Rafael Nadal.
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