Novak Djokovic: A Loss to Rafael Nadal Would Have No Effect on Djoker

If No. 1 falls to No. 2 at Roland Garros, it will be anything but a bitter defeat for the sport's top talent.

In spite of what could well be a loss to Rafel Nadal in the 2012 French Open final, Djokovic will still be considered the best player in the world.

The Grand Slam final between these two top-class performers is set to resume today as Djokovic will look to climb out of a 2-1 set deficit and take down Rafa.

It has been a match that Nadal has dominated through three sets, with Djokovic committing a whopping 40 unforced errors to Nadal's 22 and totalling an impressive 15 break-point opportunities as well.

Regardless of who comes out on top, history will be made at Roland Garros. Nadal is looking for a 52-1 record overall and a seventh French Open title. Victory would make him the player with the most wins at the tournament, surpassing Bjorn Borg, who finished his career with six.

Meanwhile, Djokovic is attempting to win his fourth consecutive Grand Slam. It is a feat that only tennis greats Rod Laver and Don Budge have ever been able to accomplish.

Yet, if the Djoker is to lose the match and Nadal is to make history, it will not change the dynamic of Djokovic's career. He is still the top player in the sport, there is no question about it. The Grand Slam titles he has won as of late and his No. 1 ranking clearly prove him worthy of greatness.

Nadal has been masterful on clay from the moment he stepped into the pros. He is a whopping 247-19 on the surface on the ATP World Tour and in Grand Slams for his career. It is a telling and eye-opening figure.

Considering his dominance on clay and at Roland Garros for his career, there is no question that Djokovic can afford a loss in this final. He won't go down without a fight, but a loss will do anything but tarnish his reputation.