Nadal vows to lift Paris level

World No. 2 Rafael Nadal talks about French Open nerves after his straight set win in the first round.

Rafael Nadal didn’t mind starting his French Open on the secondary showcase court. The Spaniard was more concerned with the nerves he felt as he played what he called a poor match to advance into the second round.

His straight-set win over French teenager Gianni Mina was far from satisfying for the four-time champion. Nadal vowed to quickly lift his level after his 32nd victory at the venue.

“It doesn’t matter what court I play on. I’m always nervous in the first round of Roland Garros,” said Nadal, who lost his first-ever match at Roland Garros last year in the fourth round to Robin Soderling.

“Not playing on the center court for me doesn’t matter. I play where the organisation want me to play. If I win matches, I’m gonna have the chance to play there (on Chatrier showcase court).”