Stupid to write Rafael Nadal off, says Andy Murray

PARIS: His critics have all but written him off, but Rafael Nadal's fellow professionals refuse to agree that the claycourt genius has zero-chance of winning a 10th French Open title in 11 attempts.
Like Andy Murray believes it's 'stupid' to dismiss Nadal's claims even before the tournament has begun, Roger Federer is delighted to find Novak Djokovic in the Spaniard's half of the draw, while defending women's champion Maria Sharapova thinks it's 'disrespectful' to question his credentials.
"For me, Novak goes into the tournament as favourite, but on that court, Rafa's record is ridiculous," Murray said on Friday, referring to Nadal's nine titles, one-loss record at Roland Garros since he first played at the claycourt Grand Slam in 2005.
"It's quite possible that he (Rafa) goes out on the centre court and feels very good. And if he wins a couple of matches, you never know. It would be stupid to write him off." Despite himself being in the form of his life on claycourts (10-0 with 2 titles) and having toyed with Nadal in the Madrid Masters final a fortnight back, Murray still considers Nadal a major threat to his chances of winning a maiden French Open.
"I am in the same half of the draw as Rafa and Novak...There are also a few big-hitters players like (Nick) Kyr gios and John Isner in my section... So it's not an easy draw for me."
Federer, who plays a qualifier first up and should meet fourth seed Tomas Berdych in the semis, if the seedings hold, is relieved not to have been placed in Nadal's half. "I always hope for the best first round matches in the draw...Besides that, having Rafa in Novak's section is the biggest of news," admitted Federer.
Nadal's predicament is his own doing. In what is easily his worst claycourt season going into the French Open, the 14-time Grand Slam champion has not won a tournament since February, losing 9 matches so far of which 5 have been on clay. He has consequently dropped out of the world's top-5 for the first time in 10 years, and a No. 6 seeding pushed him into perilous territory where he has to negotiate two of the top-4 seeds (Djokovic and Murray in this case) if he is to reach the final.
Wimbledon organisers may have seeded Nadal higher despite his ranking, considering his record on the specific surface and tournament. But that's not how it works at the other Grand Slams. Federer, for one, feels that's fair enough.
Sharapova took the Nadal issue to another level. "He loses a few matches after having won this event nine times, and so many questions are asked...I think it's a little disrespectful... If I was in his shoes, I would be a pretty accomplished and satisfied player."
Follow TOI Sports on Twitter >>> @TOISportsNews