Eurosport experts' debate: Will Rafa Nadal win the French Open?

Updated 21/05/2016 at 14:54 GMT

Eurosport tennis experts Frew McMillan and Chris Bradnam share their thoughts on whether or not Rafael Nadal will enjoy another title in Paris. Is the 'King of Clay' finished winning at Roland Garros? Or is the Real Madrid fan ready to enjoy his own vision of 'La Decima'?

Rafael Nadal kisses the French Open trophy (AFP)

Image credit: AFP

Eurosport commentator Chris Bradnam (former British singles & doubles champion): No, but much will depend on his own level of self-belief

I don’t think Rafael Nadal will win it, but there are things in his favour. If he had gone two or three years without winning the French Open, you would have doubts. The fact he lost to Novak Djokovic last year will not have dented his aura in Paris because Djokovic has been beating everybody.

The bottom line is how does Nadal rate his chances in his own mind? Only he knows the answers to that.

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I think with his form returning very recently, he must feel his chances have improved.

And every time he walks onto Philippe Chatrier, it must feel like he is walking into his home. The record he has there has to have an impact in a positive way on him and a potential negative impact on all of his opponents.

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My worry for him is fitness and recovery time. If he has tougher matches than he previously had when he was the undisputed 'King of Clay', it could take its toll.

Rafa Nadal

Image credit: Eurosport

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Eurosport pundit Frew McMillan (former world doubles number one): Yes, but he has lost shroud of invincibility

I certainly do feel a 10th French Open is possible for Nadal, however it is not as easy for him to do it this year as in the past. Chiefly because others do not think he is invincible.

When he was accumulating his nine titles, I don’t think anybody really believed they could beat him.

While the Wimbledon title was always to be the crowning glory of his tennis career, the satisfaction of doing exceptionally well at the French Open must mean that it is a tennis court home from home for him.

His biggest obstacles? Obviously Djokovic, for whom he has almost too much respect. And to a certain degree, Andy Murray who has recently beaten him on clay in Madrid.

However, one has to consider that Madrid is a clay court tournament played at altitude which means a much faster environment suiting Murray more than Nadal.

When it comes to meeting at Roland Garros, I would pick Nadal. If we are saying Djokovic is 80 percent to win the tournament, I’d put Nadal at 70.