Rafael Nadal has been on a slump since last season, but the Spaniard may finally have the chance to turn things around playing on clay-surface, especially at the French Open, where he won most of his Grand Slam titles.
Nadal has yet to completely overcome his struggles on the tennis-court this season, failing to win a title in all of his recent competitions.
While it is still early to conclude about Nadal's campaign to once again play at a high level, his shortcomings could be enough proof that the Mallorcan may well have another regretful season coming.
However, according to Tennis World USA Italian writer Lorenzo Ciotti, there is still a chance for Rafa to save his career from another potential slump, and that is by winning this year's Roland Garros.
"But through it all, Nadal could still have a trump card to play for a comeback, a real cure to put an end to the worst moment of his career. What is that? He simply needs to do everything to win his 10th French Open title," Ciotti wrote.
Nadal has won nine of his 14 Grand Slam trophies at the French Open, which was the last major tournament he conquered back in 2014.
Considering Nadal's form and Novak Djokovic's tennis domination, the quest for an unprecedented 10th French Open title would not be very easy. But Ciotti noted that unlike Djokovic, Nadal will head into the second Grand Slam event without any pressure on his shoulders.
Meanwhile, if Nadal would want to have a better opportunity to live by his nickname "King of Clay," he must win his next tournament first at the Monte Carlo Masters this week.
Nadal, who has won eight-straight titles at the ATP 1000 Masters event in Monaco, said he is approaching the tournament on high spirits, insisting that he has gained more confidence after reaching the semifinal round of Indian Wells last month.
"It's always good to be here," Nadal said. "I always have special feelings and I'm happy to be back. It's the right place to be to play tennis.
"I had good practices in Mallorca and here and I hope to be ready for the action... I am here to try my best in every match and I don't know how far I can go, but I will try my best to play well."
The fifth-seeded Nadal opens the Monte Carlo Masters against Great Britain's Aljaz Bedene, who defeated Czech Lukas Rosol 6-2 6-3.