Despite defeating Rafael Nadal in the Madrid Masters final, Andy Murray believes that it would be a mistake to write off Nadal from being the 'favourites' for the French Open title.
The World No 3, who stunned Nadal 6-3, 6-2 in straight sets to win his first Masters title on clay, said the Spaniard is a great 'clay-force' and will still be the ' favourite' for a 10th French Open, Sport24 reported.
Sunday's defeat pushed the Spaniard on the seventh spot in the world rankings, the first time in the decade that he has been out of the top five.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion is also defending 600 ranking points in Rome having made last year's final.
Nadal, who had been struggling after his injury and illness at the end of last season, is still searching for his first title on the European clay in 2015.
However, the 'king of clay' was hopeful of more improvement in Rome after playing his best tennis of the year in Madrid.
"There is a chance for me now to have another good week in Rome like I had here," said the Mallorcan.
"Even playing very badly today my feelings on court were not that bad.
"I just have to accept that it was not my day and forget it because it's not time to think about negative things as I have another match in two days.
"One week ago the feeling was much worse. It's the time to be positive and fight for what's going on and what's going on is Rome next week."
