Rafael Nadal has not been as dominant on clay this season, but continues to be the French Open favorite for many players—if not for Nadal.
The eight-time champion is usually the first one named by the rest of the field ahead of the tournament, usually followed by Novak Djokovic.
"For me, Nadal and Djokovic are the clear favorites," said Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka, speaking to press ahead of the tournament. "They are far above the others when they are present.
"And behind them, Rog and me."
Richard Gasquet also went with Nadal, saying, "I think Nadal continues to be the favorite. After that, Djokovic is close." He added, "Wawrinka is capable. Roger can be close to winning also but I think we lean towards a Nadal-Djokovic final."
Fellow Spaniard Feliciano Lopez said, "Nadal didn't get off to a good start on clay this year," but the French Open is his "favorite tournament, and he is the favorite along with Djokovic."
Nadal, however, told Le Figaro in an interview, "I do not see myself, and have never considered myself, a big favorite. There are many players who can compete."
Following years of lifting trophy after trophy during this portion of the season, Nadal's physical and mental level have both been scrutinized after he won only one of his four European clay events coming into the French Open.
Nadal has said he is no longer physically affected by the back injury he had during the Australian Open final, but admitted he had been lacking confidence after that experience. However, the Spaniard said his normal level of competitiveness returned during his quarterfinal against Andy Murray at Rome , though he went on to drop the final to Djokovic—something he partly ascribed to tiredness in his legs following three long early round matches.
But his chronic knee problems continue. He was off the tour for seven months in 2012 with a left knee injury, but returned in dominant fashion, winning 10 titles in 2013.
Nadal told Time magazine in an interview at Monte Carlo that he is "having pain a lot of days," though he would most like not to be hampered when doing things off the court. The problem is no longer generally affecting his movement on court, he has previously explained.
However, Nadal also said at Rome that he was "physically better and better, better than a year ago.''