Djokovic fears 'top shape' Nadal will still be a 'formidable opponent' at Rome, Paris

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has said that he believes world No.1 Rafael Nadal is in top shape and will remain a formidable opponent to beat in the Italian and the French Opens.

The Spaniard's victory at the Madrid Masters on Sunday indicated that clay-court order had been restored following his quarterfinal defeats in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, although speculations of his vulnerability came to the fore after Kei Nishikori outplayed him in the final before retiring with a back injury.

However, The Independent reports the world No.2 saying that there is only the faintest hope of Nadal being more vulnerable this year at Rome and in Paris as he is still in top shape,

However, Djokovic added that losing in the quarterfinals at both Monte Carlo and Barcelona gives players a little bit more hope that they can win against Nadal

Djokovic, who pulled out of last week's Madrid Open on medical advice, said that he had not wanted to compromise his chances either at Rome Masters or Roland Garros, especially as other players - most notably Juan Martin del Potro - have had long spells out of the game with chronic wrist injuries.