With the French Open in a few weeks, Rafael Nadal finds himself in a strange place: vulnerable

By Gaurav Kalra

"Obviously today I’m not as good as I once was. Life has been fantastic with me. Today I’m not winning as much as I did in the past. Life continues." He isn’t 30 yet, but Rafael
Nadal has a philosophical air about him already.

He walks onto court these days, even those red ones he once lorded over, knowing well that defeat is as real a possibility as victory. The facts, as they stand, establish just why Nadal is no longer ‘as good’ as he once was.

His ranking has fallen to No 7. For the first time in a decade he is not in the top five. He has lost four matches on clay in one season for the first time since 2003.

He has won just one title since clinching the French Open for a staggering ninth time last year.

Last week in Madrid, Nadal was beaten—rather pulverized—by Andy Murray in the final. It was the Scotsman’s first win over Nadal on clay in seven meetings. Nadal had, in fact, never lost a set to Murray on the surface before. Only three men before Murray had ever beaten Nadal in a clay court final. Yet, despite losing in straight sets, he insisted the outcome encouraged rather than dismayed him.

"You are wrong if you think that the last week was a negative for me," he chided a reporter. "Last week was a positive for the confidence. I think I’ve made a step forward and I’m playing better."

That claim will be tested in Rome this week where Nadal is aiming to capture a jaw-dropping eighth title. It won’t come easy as all the big guns are in attendance for the final tuneup event ahead of the French Open, starting later in the month. Top seed Novak Djokovic is back after after a two-week break. Roger Federer, eager to make amends for a surprise early loss in Madrid. And Murray eyeing a hat-trick of titles.

"I’ll try to have a good week in Rome, and by a good week, that does not mean only to win," Nadal said. "It’s a very complicated tournament. We have the top players there. But I also know if I manage to play the level I did I can be competitive against every single player." Quite clearly, the all-important question appearing on the horizon now is: Is Nadal’s stunning reign at the French Open is at an end? Does he have a realistic shot at a tenth title at Roland Garros? Or is his battered body ready to give way? Current form may suggest so, but his rivals—those men who know best what it is like to be standing opposite Nadal in Paris—aren’t so sure.

"On that court in Paris he has only ever lost one match. So when the French Open comes round he’ll be one of the favourites," said Murray after his victory in Madrid.

"It is maybe closer than it’s been in previous years, but I wouldn’t write him off." "Rafa for me is still the favourite alongside Djokovic who has been playing so well," said Federer, who has lost four French Open finals to Nadal. "Even though his form is not as good as in previous years, I still believe when the French Open rolls around he is going to be very difficult to beat."

It is all building to an intriguing crescendo. A wounded warrior returning to battlefield he has grown accustomed to conquering. The chasing pack is nearing, scenting an opportunity to unseat the emperor. On the red clay, over the next couple of weeks and a bit, some spicy sizzle is guaranteed.

(The writer is Senior Editor, EspnCricinfo.com)