Federer is in...

[Gander]

The final of the French Open. His opponent Nalbadian retired, so he got a short match and should be very fresh and ready to take on most likely Rafael Nadal.

Is anybody looking forward to this match as much as I am? I believe it will be on Sunday morning 9am east coast time?

This is exactly what tennis needs. There hasnt been a anticipated men's Grand Slam final in a very long time. The last match I can remember that was really big was in last year's French Open's semis when Nadal beat Federer in 5 sets.

I like Federer to get over the clay hump here and win this tournament. I think he beats Nadal in 4 sets.

[timmgirvan]

Gander: good to see you back! Agree with your assessment....Federer should br ready for Nadal BUT....Nadal is playing out of his mind right now..

[Gander]

Federer has reached 8 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals. If he wins this tournament by beating a guy who is probably the best clay court player since Thomas Muster, he will be unarguably the best player of all time.

I dont buy the cliche that exists among non tennis players who say there is no competition on the men's tour, as opposed to different eras. Anyone who has played tennis at a decent level and actually watched how hard these guys hit the ball and paint the lines with forehands and backhands can appreciate Federer's genius.

Whats missing in tennis and what is causing people to think this silly is the lack of a big rivalry and hopefully we'll see Federer and Nadal go at it for years, and the nice thing about both these guys is they can play on every surface, with maybe the exception of Nadal playing on grass. Hes like a fish out of water on grass, but he is very solid on the hardcourt. In fact he has beaten Federer on hardcourts.

Nadal is an exceptional talent (not just a clay court specialist) and he greatly motivates me to work harder in the gym and on the road to get in better shape. This guy is cut like a diamond. Wow.

Sunday is going to be a wonderful match.

[Exceller]

Federer has never lost in a GS final. Nadal though never loses on clay. I go with Nadal.

[Gander]

Both great points but Nadal hasnt had to play a single player in this draw ranked higher than 78th in the world.

I wont belittle Nadal's accomplishments and ability. Hes probably in the top 3 clay court players I have ever seen, but he is not even in Roger's universe...yet. His biggest achievement thus far is the fact he owns a 3-1 lifetime record against Federer and 1 of those came on hardcourt.

If Nadal beats Federer on Sunday I would be more than a little surprised.

This is after all a Grand Slam Final. Roger is (like you said) 7-0.

[brockguy]

I think federer finally knows how to beat nadal on clay. he got very close to him in rome and i reckon he'll win it on sunday. nadal is unreal, but federer is on a different level. best player ever!!