Dementieva's tip for men's title? Not Nadal
By Julien Pretot
PARIS (Reuters) - There were squeals of surprise when Elena Dementieva was knocked out of the French Open but a few jaws also dropped when the Russian suggested Rafael Nadal would not retain his Roland Garros crown.
After losing 6-3 4-6 6-1 in the third round to Australian Samantha Stosur, Dementieva said she was not fit enough to play on the energy-sapping clay. It seems she thinks Nadal isn't either.
Asked about Nadal's chances of clinching a record fifth consecutive French Open title, she said: "Well, he actually looks a little bit tired to me. He doesn't look like he's fresh enough.
"I think it's going to be tough challenge for him to win this time, actually."
A day earlier Nadal had demolished Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in the third round for the loss of just five games.
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
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