Rafael Nadal: Controversial Blue Clay Will Aid Rafa at Madrid Masters

The blue color of the clay at Caja Magica—where the 2012 Madrid Open is being held—is causing some controversy amongst competitors.

This may work to Rafael Nadal’s advantage even if he is complaining about it.

Rafa, who went into today’s match undefeated on any color clay surface this season (10-0 with a crazy 20-0 record in sets), has just dispatched Nikolay Davydenko in the third round of the Madrid Open and is likely to meet up with Novak Djokovic in the finals of the tournament.

Earlier in the week, the Spaniard was unhappy about the newly introduced surface color. So far, it hasn’t been a problem.

According to ESPN UK, Djokovic is struggling more and feels like he cannot move on the new clay. He’s been crafting some interesting theories on how to improve.

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"I hit five balls throughout the whole match," said Djokovic. "Everything else I was just trying to put the ball in the court so I just rely on my serve and getting some points eventually from his unforced errors.

"For me that's not tennis. Either I come up with the football shoes or I invite Chuck Norris to advise me on how I should play on this court.”

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Unless Chuck Norris brings Djokovic a pair of cleats for the impending finals match against Nadal, he’s definitely going to struggle.

Rafa seems to have a much better grip on the surface than any other participant in this tournament. It’s a huge advantage and one he will need to make the most of.

Nadal has a big lifetime lead over Djoker on clay. In the 13 times the two legends have clashed, Rafa has walked away victorious in 11 of them.

If he can best the No.1 player in the finals, the King of Clay is going to retain his throne even if it’s a different color than he is used to.