Madrid Open 2012: Rafael Nadal's Loss on Blue Clay Is Warning for Novak Djokovic

When Rafael Nadal was shocked by Fernando Verdasco on Thursday in the Madrid Open, it was his first loss on clay in 23 matches.

And it served as a warning to Novak Djokovic that nobody is a favorite on the blue clay.

Nadal was livid on Thursday after his defeat in the third round, blaming a blue clay surface that appears to limit players' movement. He went so far as to say he wouldn't participate in the Madrid Open again if the court wasn't fixed, via BBC Sport.

Djokovic echoed the same words after his 7-5, 6-4 victory against Stanislas Wawrinka. 

He said on Thursday, via BBC Sport:

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"You are tripping and slipping and sliding all the time and the winner will be the one who doesn't get hurt until the end of the week because a lot of players fell down."

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Djokovic hasn't looked as dominant in Madrid, either. In his blue clay debut against Daniel Gimeno-Traver in the second round, it took him three sets to emerge victorious. He lost the second set to Gimeno-Traver, 2-6.

Regardless of its impact on movement, one thing's for sure: The blue clay in Madrid has stirred up the field, where any player can topple a favorite.

Djokovic has been able to deal with the blue clay better than Nadal, but that doesn't mean it can't hurt him. Top players thrive on perfection and staying in control. When you have something you can't control right underneath your feet, that can change everything.

Djokovic, like Nadal, could be slowed down to a screeching halt by the blue clay.

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