Birthday boy Nadal wins in Paris

Originally published on: 03/06/13 00:00

The Spaniard celebrated his 27th birthday in style on Monday as he breezed past Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-1 6-3 at Roland Garros.

Nadal, who won his first Grand Slam in Paris at the tender age of 19, believes experience has enabled him to conserve energy.

“Physically I'm not as fit as when I was 18 years of age,” he explained. “When you've got a lot of energy perhaps you're more expressive. Each point in time brings with it newness.

“In those days I was very young. I was living a dream. So you're much more inclined to be expressive. You're full of passion, and there are lots of feelings coursing through you.

“As years go by, you become a bit more calm. Things come across less maybe and you make less effort and you save yourself a little more.

“You need to retain a certain level of energy as years go by, and you basically try to become more chosen in the way you express your feelings.”

Nadal will meet Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarter-finals.

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