Rafael Nadal's favourite number is nine — but he will reconsider if he wins an unprecedented 10th French Open title today
Rafael Nadal
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Rafael Nadal's favourite number is nine - but he will reconsider if he wins an unprecedented 10th French Open title today.
The Spaniard continued his romp through the draw at Roland Garros with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 victory over Dominic Thiem on Friday.
Spanish ace Rafael Nadal's nine French Open triumphs. Pic/AFP
Nadal is yet to drop a set and has lost just 29 games in six matches - his lowest tally ever and the least since Bjorn Borg in 1978.
Now only Stan Wawrinka remains between the 31-year-old and another record as the first man to reach double digits at a single slam.
Nadal said: "Nine or 10, it's only 10 per cent more. It's true that 10 is a beautiful number, but actually my favourite is nine. For sure if it becomes 10 it will be my favourite.
Stan Wawrinka. Pic/AFP
"I think I don't make more history. It's enough. Nine is more than good. Today is not the moment to think about that. It's the moment I have to be very happy. In general, to be in the final again here of probably the most important event in my career, it means a lot to me. I'm just very, very happy for everything, and I'm going to try my best."
Wawrinka will be the third oldest winner of the men's title if he succeeds against all the odds. "To play Rafa on clay in the French Open in a final is probably the biggest challenge you can have," he said.