Fourteen time grand slam winner Rafael Nadal has dropped to 10th in the latest men's tennis rankings. This is the lowest rank the left handed Spanish maestro has held in nearly a decade. Nadal's slide down the rankings comes as a result of his quarter final loss to world number 1 Novak Djokovic at this year's French Open. Nadal's defeat was just the second time in his career he has lost at the clay courts of Roland Garros. His first defeat came at the hands of Robin Soderling in 2009
"I must improve my level of tennis, my intensity on the court," Nadal said on Monday. "If I can do that I'm confident that I can return to my best level."
Djokovic stifled Nadal throughout their encounter, notching 45 winners to Nadal's 16. While the Spaniard could only conjure three winners from his signature left handed forehand. Nadal clearly looked off during the match. Showing no signs that he had held the French Open Crown a record nine times. Prior to his loss at the hands of Djokovic, Nadal had spent just five weeks outside of the Top 5.
Nadal's struggles continue to mount. This season will mark the first time the 'King of Clay' will fail to take home a single clay court title.
Djokovic's bid to complete a career grand slam was thwarted however. He was downed 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, by Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland in the final at the court Philippe Chartier.
Despite the loss Djokovic still retains his number 1 ranking. He is followed by 17 time Grand Slam Winner Rodger Federer and Andy Murray, who Djokovic knocked out in the semis. The newly crowned Wawrinka moves up five spots to 4th. Wawrinka rose as high as third last year after bagging his first grand slam at the Australian Open.
