This is an example of how Rafael Nadal's season is going. After losing in straight sets to Nadal on clay in Rome, American John Isner went on to proclaim Novak Djokovic as the favorite to win the French Open.
ATPWorldTour.com reported that Nadal advanced to the quarterfinals of the Italian Open with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Isner. Nadal, who has struggled with his game all season and has dropped to No. 7 in the world rankings for the first time since 2005, will face Stan Wawrinka in the quarters.
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The report said that Nadal's play against Isner was "near flawless." But that didn't appear to impress Isner enough to jump on the Nadal bandwagon for the 2015 French Open.
"Djokovic is the greatest player in the world right now hands down, including on clay," Isner said, according to USA TODAY Sports. "Rafa is always going to be there for sure, but now you have Andy (Murray) playing fantastic on clay, too. The feeling is that Djokovic is the guy."
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Despite losing four times during the clay season, Nadal appears confident in the way his game is shaping up as he gets ready for the French Open.
"[In the past three weeks], I played 11 very good matches and two bad matches," Nadal said, according to ATPWorldTour.com "I am very happy for that. Let's try my best tomorrow. It's another opportunity to confirm positive feelings."
He adds that his approach to the game has not changed during his struggles compared to when he was dominating on clay. And if he is to play the role of underdog in 2015 at Roland Garros, so be it.
"When I was winning a lot in the past during clay-court season, I never thought that was the normal state," he said, according to ATPWorldTour.com. "I always thought that was really special. Today, I accept all the challenges that the tour presents me, having some good weeks and some bad weeks, but always with the motivation to find the right way again."
USA TODAY Sports added him saying, "I'm happy most about my attitude and being positive and fighting for every point. That's the way that's going to bring me back to play at my best level."
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