Kim fails to find way out of Nadal's desert

PARIS, June 2 (Reuters) Over the past two years, facing Rafael Nadal on a claycourt has been a debilitating experience. ''It felt like you're in the Sahara and you just see the hills, and there's no ending,'' American Kevin Kim said today after being hammered 6-2 6-1 6-4 by the defending champion at the French Open.

It was Nadal's 55th consecutive claycourt win and, on current form, it seems no one can stop him becoming the first man to win back-to-back titles at Roland Garros since Gustavo Kuerten in 2001.

Despite this record streak, Nadal admitted he too can fall prey to nerves.

''In the beginning I was a little bit nervous. I was not touching the ball well,'' said the Spaniard, who had not played since Monday after rain played havoc with the schedule.

''I don't think I am too much better than other players.

Every match is a different history. Every match has difficult moments and tough moments.

''I always try my best. But you never know - I know I can lose tomorrow, I can lose today.'' Kim, who made it into the main draw as a lucky loser, knew he faced a lost cause even before he stepped on court for the second round match.

''You've just got to be physically fit because you know he's going to go all day,'' said the 116th-ranked American.

''He's going to stay out there five, 10, hours if he has to.

So thinking that before the match, it's a little bit demoralising.'' Even though he did not come close to halting Nadal's run, Kim was able to point out a few flaws.

''Rafa, on clay, he has a big forehand but the serve's not overwhelming,'' he said.

''His volleys aren't overwhelming either.

''On a good day, somebody could challenge him but he's not invincible. I put my money on him but I wouldn't put too much on him.'' REUTERS DH RK2132