French hopes of finally celebrating another male champion at Roland Garros have taken another big hit with the news that Gael Monfils is out due to injury.

Rafael Nadal's white T-shirt carried specks of rust-coloured clay and his white socks were smothered with the stuff during a practice session on Court Philippe Chatrier in the steamy early afternoon on Thursday.

Rafael Nadal could become the first man to win seven Roland Garros titles, but Novak Djokovic and a rejuvenated Roger Federer are braced to slam the door shut on the Spaniard's history-making campaign.

Two-time French Open runner-up Robin Soderling will miss the French Open, Wimbledon and the Olympics while he recovers from mononucleosis.

Rafael Nadal is hoping to finesse his sixth trophy at the Rome Masters into a lucky seventh at the French Open as the Spaniard heads to Paris for the grand slam beginning on Sunday.

Rafael Nadal won his sixth Rome Masters title in a rain-postponed final against Novak Djokovic on Monday, defeating the world number one 7-5, 6-3.

Heavy rain caused Sunday's eagerly anticipated Rome Masters final between defending champion Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal to be postponed until Monday.

Two weeks of late nights and big wins finally caught up with Roger Federer, as the world number two now looks forward to a few days of family time and relaxation after exiting in the semi-final of the Rome Masters.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic edged Roger Federer on Saturday to set up another meeting with rival Rafael Nadal in the Italian Open final.

Five-time champion Rafael Nadal struggled with his backhand but overcame a difficult first set to beat fellow Spaniard David Ferrer 7-6 (6), 6-0 on Saturday to reach the Italian Open final.