"The next step is not Roland Garros, the next step is Barcelona"
Monday 24 April 2017 15:56, UK
Rafael Nadal has refused to entertain thoughts of adding a 10th French Open to his Grand Slam collection after winning in Monte Carlo at the weekend.
Nadal landed a record 10th title at the Monte Carlo Masters on Sunday to make ATP history.
The Spaniard swept aside Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-1 6-3 to become the first player in the Open Era to win a singles tournament 10 times.
Nadal claimed his 50th trophy on his favourite surface to overtake Argentine great Guillermo Vilas.
And the 30-year-old says his next target will be his home event in Barcelona, and not the French Open at the end of May.
"The next step is not Roland Garros, the next step is Barcelona," said Nadal.
"I never take Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome, Madrid like a preparation for any other tournament. These tournaments are so important. That's the real thing.
"Then Roland Garros arrives later. It is another important event for me."
"Next week, I am playing another very important event for me at home and I'm excited about that. Then I'm going to keep playing at home in Madrid."
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