RAFAEL Nadal’s bid for an unprecedented eighth French Open title was given a huge scare by unheralded German Daniel Brands yesterday before the Spanish superstar prevailed 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 6-3.
Defending champion Nadal, who before this year had only lost once in 53 matches at Roland Garros, dropped the opening set of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career as Brands, the world number 59, unleashed a barrage of attacks off both sides to leave the third seed reeling.
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