World number one Rafael Nadal, who believes himself gets ready for the defence of his Roland Garros title, was beaten in a pre-French Open match in Paris Saturday by the world 109th.

According to local reports, Nadal went down 7-5 to Argentinean Brian Dabul in a one-set exhibition match on the eve of the tournament.

With six Grand Slam singles titles to his name, Nadal, the 22 years old from Spain, has never lost an official match at the French Open. He faces qualifier Marcos Daniel of Brazil in the first round.

The French Open starts on May 24 at Roland Garros, Paris.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2009)