In the third set, Nadal, who has won three clay-court tournaments, came very close to winning his first hard-court title.

The American, who had been seeded No. 1 in the $2.2 million clay-court tournament, cited an ankle injury in withdrawing on Friday.

On Tuesday, she said she had no pain, but she had not made the final of three previous clay-court tournaments since her comeback.

Ivanovic then returned to Europe to play two clay-court tournaments in preparation for the French Open.

It is Jaite's contention that the United States produced better all-round players when there were more clay-court tournaments here.

In seven previous clay-court tournaments this year, Sanchez never lost before the semifinal round.

Last month, she won a clay-court tournament in Palermo, Italy, despite a game still lacking a decent volley, lob or slice.

He reached a few finals playing on clay courts, but never won a clay-court tournament in his professional career.

Bartoli then competed at her final clay-court tournament before the French Open, the 2010 Polsat Warsaw Open, where she was seeded fpurth.

He had comparatively more success after returning to Europe to play five clay-court tournaments.