Rafael Nadal explains the mentality behind his Roland Garros dominance

Rafael Nadal says it isn't easy to win the French Open ten times, even if he's sometimes made it look that way.

The world No. 1, who will again enter the tournament as the favorite, said his attitude has helped him stay at the top.

"I think it takes a combination of things—a good mentality, a passion for what to do, love of sport, a little bit of luck and finally, the constant desire to improve, to have that on court every day," Nadal told *Le Figaro* in an interview published in French. "During the years, you gradually decline in some things, you have to keep adding [others] to stay competitive. This is for me the key to this longevity and this success—even more at Roland Garros, 10 times."

WATCH—Rafael Nadal's pre-tournament press conference in Roland Garros:

Nadal also pointed to his uncle and coach, Toni, who taught him the game and until recently was also his coach on tour.

"I have always worked with a lot of intensity. My uncle pushed me to work hard every day with intensity from a young age. When you have grown up with this, it is easier to keep it,'' Nadal said.

Nadal is coming off another record-setting run on the clay courts, winning Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome, where he recaptured the No. 1 ranking.

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