Will Rafael Nadal's stranglehold on Roland Garros end this year?

Rafael Nadal is not the favorite in everyone’s eyes at the French Open this year

Roland Garros has been Nadal’s territory over the past decade

I am writing this piece with the 2015 French Open already under way and into the pre-quarter stages. Well, it is Rafa’s territory, his kingdom where he started off his Grand Slam journey in 2005 and ruled ever since.

The only glitch came when Robin Soderling toppled him in 2009 at the pre-quarter stage only to lose to Roger Federer in the final, thus handing the Swiss his career Grand Slam. Nadal’s loss to Soderling still to this date remains his first and only loss at the French Open since debuting in 2005 as a prince and subsequently turning out as King. Over these years among tennis fans if there existed one Grand Slam result that could be taken for granted was Nadal getting crowned at French Open clay court year after year. 2014 win was his ninth title. Spectacular by any yardsticks.

Here we stand in 2015 with the French Open going into its business end, no casualties yet from the big guns in men’s draw. Things could change from here on... Yes something we never thought of is looming – Nadal losing his crown at the French Open. Sounds like an aberration. I hate to say this because it hurts to see him lose his favorite Grand Slam. Something he owned for years. But I dare to say this on the wake of what we have been witnessing through the latter half of 2014 season and 2015 season so far.

An old contender is looking more menacing now

Injuries, dip in form and a come back which is not too convincing for us who have already experienced vintage Rafa and know the 2015 version is no where near it. Remember 2008 Wimbledon when we all were awestruck watching that epic final in which Rafa dethroned Federer at the center court in five sets with the final set going to the Spaniard 9-7! Federer was ruling over Wimbledon in some what the same way Rafa was over the French Open. Roger managed to add two more Wimbledon titles alright but could never stamp his lost authority over Wimbledon ever since that 2008 loss to Nadal.

Enough of that flash back, lets get back to the curret scenario. The clay court season which culminates with the French open saw Nadal turning out with no success in any of the three Masters tournaments preceding the major. Djokovic won two, while Andy Murray won his first masters on clay. Federer reached the finals in Rome losing to Novak Djokovic. So don’t you see an evident change of guard on clay court?

While I don't fancy too much on Federer’s chances at French open, I can’t help looking in awe at Djokovic’s progress on clay, his grit and determination. The power, precision all still intact and even getting better. A spectacular 2015 season so far. How dearly he would be wanting to win his first French Open title. And what better opportunity he can get than this time- a less than 100 percent Rafa, a waning Federer.

I see every reason to ponder a new French Open Champion in Djokovic and there by possibilities of witnessing something which has not happened since 1969, way before I was born – A men’s Grand Slam sweep in a calendar year. I admit I am fancying too much too early, but wouldn't it be thrilling? I am sure it would be.

Will this be Djokovic’s year?

We have seen so many greats after the incomparable Rod Laver, but none could achieve what the great Australian managed to achieve twice – 1962 and 1969. We saw a few greats of this era managing career Grand Slams – Andre Agassi, Federer and Nadal , but a calendar year Grand Slam still remains a dream. Steffi Graf achieved that in 1988. She made it a Golden Slam by adding an Olympic gold to it.

Will 2015 ATP season bring us that joy of witnessing a calendar year Grand slam Champion through Djokovic? Let’s wait and see..

Having written this, my heart still wants Rafa to win a 10th French Open title – Thats how special he has been for Roland Garros!!! What would be special, a Grand Slam champion after 1969 or an unprecedented 10 French Open title scalps- I leave it to you all...