Murray: Nadal still the man to beat in Paris

– Andy Murray insists it would be a mistake to write off Rafael Nadal (right) as a clay court force and expects the Spaniard to still be favourite for a 10th French Open next month.

World No 3 Murray stunned Nadal 6-3, 6-2 to win the Madrid Open on Sunday, his first Masters title on clay and a second claycourt title in a week.

It was also the Scot’s first victory over the Spaniard on clay in seven attempts, but he believes Nadal will still be the man to beat at Roland Garros.

“I think there were periods of the match where he played like

Madrid

he usually does, but there were also periods where he made more mistakes,” said Murray, who had never won a title on clay before his victory in Munich last Monday.

“On that court (in Paris) he has only ever lost one match, so when the French Open comes round he’ll be one of the favourites. It is maybe closer than it’s been in previous years, but I wouldn’t write him off.”

Sunday’s defeat means Nadal will drop to seventh in the latest world rankings yesterday, the first time he has been out of the top five in 10 years.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion is also defending 600 ranking points in Rome, having made last year’s final.

Nadal, plagued by injury and illness at the end of last season, is still searching for his fi rst title on European clay in 2015.

But he is hopeful for more improvement in Rome after playing some of his best tennis of the year in reaching the final in Madrid.

“I cannot leave Madrid unhappy. I have to forget what happened today and remain with the positives,” said the 28-year-old.

“There were more good things than bad and I will try to recover those good sensations in Rome.”

Murray, meanwhile, admitted his recent marriage to long-term girlfriend Kim Sears has helped his incredible start to the clay court season.

Two-time major winner Murray is 9- 0 since getting married last month.

The Scottish star even wrote “marriage works” on the on-court camera after thrashing nine-time French Open champion Nadal.

Murray has also taken to wearing his wedding ring on the laces of his shoes during matches although he was quick to put it back on his finger after sealing victory over Nadal. –