Paris – Rafael Nadal was so comfortable in his second round win at Roland Garros that he was able to reflect on the resignation of Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.
Nadal crushed Argentina’s Guido Pella 6-2, 6-1, 6-1 to book his place in the third round on Thursday and spent his press conference reflecting on Zidane’s exit after the Frenchman announced he is stepping down at the Bernabeu.
Real fan Nadal heard the news just as he was taking to the court.
“Of course it was a surprise for everybody, no?” he said.
“But at the same time, Zidane is a top person. He’s a person that it is tough to accept that he’s leaving.
“He has always been positive and believing in the players and on the club. He deserves to choose what’s better for him.”
Nadal will now face good friend Richard Gasquet in the third round and heads into the encounter against the 29th seed in confident mood.
“I have to be happy, no?” added Nadal.
“It’s of course a great result. It’s not possible without playing well.”