Rafael Nadal proved a clay court bridge too far for Kei Nishikori on Monday at the French Open, but predicted the Japanese will be a top 10 player soon.

The Spaniard was celebrating his 27th birthday.

And Nishikori (pictured) was unable to spoil the Mallorcan's center court party as the 23-year-old from Shimane could manage only eight games in going down to a 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 defeat.