Rafa: Grand Slam Sweep Is Impossible

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Rafa: Grand Slam Sweep Is Impossible

Shanghai Rolex Masters ATP
- Official Site
- Order of Play
- Singles Draw
- Doubles Draw
- Live Scores

HP Japan Women's Open WTA
- Official Site
- Order of Play
- Singles Draw
- Doubles Draw
- Qualifying Draw
- Live Scores

Generali Ladies Linz WTA
- Official Site
- Order of Play
- Singles Draw
- Doubles Draw
- Qualifying Draw
- Live Scores

By Lauren Lynch

(October 12, 2010) Rafael Nadal has spent much of his career achieving the improbable, but said today he views a Grand Slam sweep as a mission "impossible." The World No. 1 currently holds the Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open championships and could complete a Rafa Slam by reclaiming the Australian Open title in January. But Nadal said winning the Grand Slam is beyond his reach.

"For me, winning the four titles is impossible," said Nadal, who beat Gael Monfils to win the Japan Open title in Tokyo on Sunday in his seventh victory in eight finals this season. "I will try to keep playing well and to try to win four titles next year. But it may not be case they are all Grand Slams. That's impossible for sure, I think."

Another legendary lefty, Hall of Famer Rod Laver, is the last man to win the Grand Slam. Laver is the only man in history to win the Grand Slam as both an amateur (in 1962) and as a professional (in 1969).

Nadal beat Novak Djokovic to capture his ninth career major title and complete the career Grand Slam at the US Open last month. He owns a 66-8 record on the season and said success can be tiring.

"I am a little bit more tired than usual. But this is because I have probably played more matches than the rest," Nadal said.

The top-seeded Spaniard faces Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka in his opening match of the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Wednesday.