Why French Open fans turned on Nadal

Former World No.1 Gustavo Kuerten says Rafael Nadal's French Open dominance has made fans cheer for Roger Federer instead.

'King of Clay' Rafa is shooting for a record 10th title at Roland Garros, dominating the French Open like no one before him.

But according to Kuerten, Nadal's incredible record at the tournament has actually driven fans away from him.

"Here Rafa won much and it's difficult for the spectators to see that others lose always to the same player," Kuerten recently told Tennis World.

Nadal beat Federer in the 2011 French final. Image: Getty

"I was here in 2005 when he won for the first time with Mariano Puerta and it was clear that people admired him for his fighting spirit on court.

"But there was a moment where Roland Garros didn't exist: he came, won and left.

"And so the French crowd found another player to support, it means Federer.

"They were feeling that Roger could not win because of Rafa. It seemed Rafa could not lose, which was something human."

Kuerten. Image: Getty

Should he achieve his dream of a "decima" the 30-year-old would become the first man to win 10 titles at any single grand slam event.

The Spaniard, who turns 31 next week, has wound back the clock to sweep through the European claycourt season with titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Madrid and is a daunting obstacle for anyone with genuine title ambitions.

with AAP