Nadal bows out of 2008 Rome Masters 

Only days after warning that the densely packed European clay court season might lead to physical breakdown amongst the top ATP players, Rafael Nadal succumbed to injury at the 2008 Rome Masters, losing to countryman Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-1.

Nadal looked uncomfortable throughout the match, having decided to play despite severe blistering on his right foot. Unable to play his best game, Nadal opened the door to Ferrero who ruthlessly exploited Nadal’s inhibited game to send the number one seed crashing out of the tournament.

"Two Masters Series without playing best conditions on clay is going to kill me," Nadal said after his loss. "The calendar is impossible."

The loss was only Nadal’s second in 105 games, allowing Ferrero to take his place alongside Roger Federer as only the second player to have beaten Nadal on clay. Nadal’s previous loss had come at the 2007 Hamburg Masters where he lost to Roger Federer in the final.

Nadal’s early exit from the 2008 Rome Masters may be a blessing in disguise for his 2008 French Open preparations. The reigning French Open champion now has almost two weeks to rest and return to full fitness before attempting to successfully defend his French Open title for the fourth time in as many years.