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Nadal wins, but is nagged by bad back
nadal
Rafael Nadal returns the ball to Leonardo Mayer during their third round match of the French Open at the Roland Garros stadium, in Paris, France, Saturday. - photo by Associated Press
PARIS — The closest thing to intrigue or drama involving Rafael Nadal on Saturday came after his 31st consecutive French Open victory concluded. That's when the eight-time champion revealed that a painful back is slowing his serves — and, all in all, giving him more trouble than his opponents so far. For now, leave the on-court theatrics to others.