Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return to Roger Federer of Switzerland during their men's singles semi-final match at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 24, 2014. REUTERS/Jason Reed
PARIS (Reuters) - If this season's records are supposed to provide an indication to the man who will be crowned 'king of Roland Garros', Rafa Nadal's hopes of winning a record-extending ninth French Open title could be in jeopardy.
For the first time in a decade, the world number one lost three matches on red dirt in the build-up to the claycourt major and the Spaniard could have to beat all three conquerors - Nicolas Almagro, David Ferrer and Novak Djokovic - if he is to successfully defend his title on June 8.
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