Nadal less threatening than ever: Courier

Two-time French Open winner rates Djokovic, Nishikori higher than Spaniard

LONDON: Nine-time French Open champion Rafa Nadal will no longer be regarded as an “immovable obstacle” at Roland Garros this year, according to twice former winner Jim Courier.

The American, who ruled the claycourt Grand Slam in 1991 and 1992, has watched the Spaniard’s increasing vulnerability on the red dust with interest in the build-up to the year’s second Grand Slam which begins in Paris on Sunday.

While Courier believes the best-of-five-set format means Nadal remains formidable, he makes world number one Novak Djokovic favourite followed by Japan’s Kei Nishikori. “For the first time in many years Nadal will not be the favourite going into Roland Garros,” said Courier. “That role is now firmly occupied by Novak Djokovic.”

Nadal was beaten by Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarter-finals of the Rome Masters, following his defeat by Andy Murray in the Madrid Masters final the week before.

“Kei Nishikori is my second favourite behind Djokovic and I firmly believe he is the second best claycourt player today,” Courier added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20^th, 2015.

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