Who won when Rafael Nadal faced Seb Korda in practice match before Roland Garros today

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Rafael Nadal stepped up his preparations for Roland Garros by playing a practice set with Sebastien Korda.

The Spaniard’s participation at his favourite event was unclear after he crashed out of the Italian Open in the second round.

But he was confirmed for the Grand Slam by Spanish media outlet AS who reported that he will compete at a Grand Slam for the first time since the Australian Open in January 2023.

The 36-year-old arrived at Stade Roland Garros on Monday and headed straight to the practice court, and he was hard at work again on Tuesday.

Did Rafael Nadal win his practice set against Seb Korda?

Helping Nadal prepare for what may possibly be his final Roland Garros campaign was Korda, who looked up to the 22-time Grand Slam champion as a child.

The American played the former World Number One at the French Open back in 2020, but managed to win just four games as Nadal claimed the title that year without dropping a set.

On Tuesday he contested a practice set with Nadal, which the 14-time Roland Garros champion won 6-3 on his beloved court Philippe Chatrier.

Fan videos posted on social media platform X showed Nadal win an excellent back and forth rally with Korda, which ended with a superb turnaround forehand winner cross court after the American executed an audacious lob.

Nadal defended well out of the corners during the exchange, before taking charge of the rally and finishing expertly.

In another clip, the Spaniard returned Korda’s serve and hit multiple trademark topspin forehands before firing a backhand down the line, which set up a forehand winner.

How did fans react to Rafael Nadal’s Roland Garros practice set?

Tennis fans are very excited by the prospect of seeing Nadal return to the French Open after he missed the 2023 edition due to injury.

Fans were impressed with his level during training and are excited to see him participate at a Grand Slam once again.

X user @Montecinas said: “Got his mojo back in the Chatrier. He’s coming for everyone,” while @Que_Mes8 added: “Fit and healthy as ever.”

The encouraged @JackDentsTweets added: “If Rafael Nadal can simply get that BELIEF in himself back, realising that #15 is truly possible, then he can win the French Open. No one understands the clay quite like Rafa.”