With most of the attention firmly on Novak Djokovic's bid to become only the third man to hold all four Grand Slam titles at the same time, Nadal's historic push for a record seventh Paris crown has been shunted onto the sidelines.
But Murray, who could meet the six-time champion in the semi-finals for a second successive year, is convinced that the great Spaniard has many more Roland Garros titles in him.
"I think the fact that he started at such a young age is what's most impressive," said Murray.
"He won it when he was maybe 17 the first time, or 18. That, to me, is what's been most impressive about it. It's obviously still going, as well. I'm sure he'll have more great runs here.
"I'm sure he'll win the event a few more times probably before he finishes."
Murray, still bidding for his own first Grand Slam title, enjoyed his best showing in Paris in 2011 when he reached the semi-finals before falling in straight sets to Nadal.
But his participation this time around was put in doubt by a back injury picked up in Rome, a problem which has plagued him since December.
"My back is going to be fine," he said Friday. "I have been here about close to a week now. I have had some good practice and feel good."
In the first round, Murray takes on Japan's world number 69 Tatsuma Ito, a player he has played against little before and who will make his main draw debut at Roland Garros.
"I played him in doubles last year in Tokyo. I have seen his game before and hit balls against him. He's quite a flat hitter of the ball, a pretty good ball striker," said the fourth seed.
Fit again Andy Murray backs Nadal to keep winning
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