Four-times champion Nadal shown the exit

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - Four-times champion Rafael Nadal was knocked out in the fourth round of the French Open on Sunday, beaten 6-2 6-7 6-4 7-6 by Sweden's Robin Soderling in one of the biggest shocks ever seen at Roland Garros.

The world number one, who was seeking a record fifth successive title, had taken a 31-0 record into the contest as he had not lost a match at the claycourt grand slam since his Paris debut in 2005.

Soderling paid little attention to the script as he brought the world number one down on his knees in a 3-1/2 hour tussle.

"I have to accept with the same calm when I win than when I lose. After four years, I lose here, and the season continues," a gracious Nadal told a news conference.

"This is not a tragedy, losing here in Paris. It had to happen one day."

Nadal, who had thrashed Soderling 6-1 6-0 in Rome last month, said he could not keep his nerve in they moments of the match.

"Sure, he did well. He did very well but I didn't play my best tennis. I didn't play my tennis, and for that reason I lose. That's it," he said.

"I was not calm enough to face the important points, so I had to fight. But sometimes fighting is not enough. You have to play a good level of tennis.