Rafael Nadal: Rafa's Loss at Madrid Open Will End Blue Clay Experiment

Rafael Nadal was defeated in the third round of the 2012 Madrid Open and it’s either going to be his last time playing in the tournament, or, more likely, the last time that the event is going to use blue clay.

Fernando Verdasco was able to overcome his countryman 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 on Thursday

In the 11th edition of the Madrid Masters, the tournament directors attempted to distinguish themselves from other ATP events by laying down the experimental surface.

Many players are upset with the change, including Nadal. The man known as the King of Clay was clear that he is finished competing here unless it reverts to the normal surface, according to the Associated Press (h/t Silicon Valley Mercury News).

"If things don't change, this will be one less tournament on the calendar for me," said the two-time Madrid champion.

Novak Djokovic is another player unhappy with how the clay is changing the game. He told Reuters he would need cleats or a new mentor if he is going to continue to succeed.

"

I hit five balls throughout the whole match, 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.

"

With such a public outcry from the world’s best players, there is simply no way the tournament owners can afford not to switch the surface back.

By losing Nadal, the Madrid Open would not only be losing one of the most popular players in the country, but in the entire world. With the competition diluted, many other top-ranked tennis pros would follow suit.

Unless they find a way to improve the ground and make it similar or better than what these men and women are used to, the tournament will have to end the blue clay experiment.