Rafael Nadal: Spaniard Will Cruise to Record 7th French Open Title

Rafael Nadal enters the 2012 French Open with a career record of 45-1 on the clay at Roland Garros. Don't expect his second loss to come this year.

After smoking world No. 1 Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 to win the Italian Open two weeks ago, Nadal looks to be back in form after an early exit from the Madrid Open the week before.

The 25-year-old Spaniard has a 33-4 record this year, including a five-set loss to Djokovic in the Australian Open final. Since then has has beaten Djokovic twice on clay and appears poised to win his seventh French Open title, which would be a record. 

Nadal is the sport's king of clay and I have a hard time believing he will lose at the French Open this year. While Djokovic has won three-straight Grand Slam titles, he has yet to reach the finals at Roland Garros. The Serbian is on a incredible roll in Grand Slam tournaments, but he will be no match for Nadal if he does reach the finals.

Back in 2009 Nadal lost his only match at the French Open—to Robin Soderling—but he was struggling with knee problems at the time. He enters this year having won titles on clay at Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome. And his round of 16 loss to Fernando Verdasco in Madrid came on the venue's controversial blue clay. 

Nadal is rolling right now and there is no one in the field this year who can stop him, not even long-time rival Roger Federer, or Djokovic. 

By winning the tournament last year Nadal tied Bjorn Borg for the most French Open titles with six. Unless something crazy happens it's a safe bet that he'll break that tie and win his seventh this year.