FRENCH OPEN LOOKAHEAD: Nadal wants more consistent forehand

Spain's Rafael Nadal returns in the first round match of the French Open tennis tournament against Quentin Halys of France at the Roland Garros stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Nadal won in three sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) Spain's Rafael Nadal returns in the first round match of the French Open tennis tournament against Quentin Halys of France at the Roland Garros stadium, in Paris, France, Tuesday, May 26, 2015. Nadal won in three sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

By Associated Press May 27, 2015 3 min read

PARIS (AP) – Rafael Nadal’s uppercut of a lefty forehand, thick with topspin, has flummoxed many opponents through the years and carried him to nine French Open titles in 10 previous appearances.

Now he thinks it could be better.

“With my forehand, I’m not as steady and consistent as in the past,” Nadal said. “Of course I can still put spin on it, but I’m not smooth enough.”

He has won 67 of 68 career matches at Roland Garros, including 36 in a row, heading into Thursday’s second-round meeting Nicolas Almagro, another Spaniard.

They know each other well, having played 13 times before.