Rafael Nadal Should Be Considered Favorite at French Open After Title in Rome

Rafael Nadal is going to take the 2012 French Open title. He is healthy and at the top of his game. When these two things coincide, he cannot be beaten on clay (at least red clay). 

Nadal drove this point home on Monday when he beat Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 in the finals at the Foro Italico.

This was not just another title for Nadal; it was a statement. 

Djokovic, the ATP's No. 1 player, has been dominating Nadal, and it was beginning to look like Nole was in Nadal's head.

He had beaten him is seven straight finals. Then Nadal took down Djokovic in Monte Carlo on April 23rd. However, this was in the wake of the death of Djokovic's grandfather, which left an emotionally drained Djokovic at less than his best. 

That was reason enough for everyone, including Nadal, to wonder if Rafa could beat Nole when they were both at their best. Rafa answered that question here.

Though Rafa won this match in straight sets, it was close. And that makes it even more impressive for Nadal. In a close match, any mental edge one player has over another will be amplified, and Nadal proved that wasn't the case.

In fact, when it comes to clay, if anyone has a mental edge it is Rafa. Nole hinted at this in his post match comments captured by Mike Dickson of The Daily Mail. "He [Nadal] is always the favorite on this surface."

And he certainly should be considered the favorite for the upcoming French Open.