Nadal no longer 'immovable obstacle' at Roland Garros: Jim Courier

Two-time French Open champion Jim Courier has said that Rafael Nadal will no longer be regarded as an 'immovable obstacle' at the French Open.

The American, who ruled over Roland Garros in 1991 and 1992, has seen Nadal's decline on clay with interest in the build-up to the French Open.

Courier said it would be the first time in many years that the Spaniard would not be going into Roland Garros as the favourit, Stuff.co.nz reported.

He believes that world number one Novak Djokovic would be the favourite followed by Japan's Kei Nishikori.

'The King of Clay' has lost five of his 22 matches on clay this year. He has been beaten in straight sets by Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stanislas Wawrinka.