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!!

[Gander]

I concur 100%.

Back to Rome, he was up 4-1 in the 5th set, blew that and was lucky to get it to a tiebreaker. He was up 6-3 in the tiebreaker and blew 3 match points.

Very unlike Federer, clearly he more than "got close" he played better tennis than Nadal and choked. Cant believe I just said Federer choked but he did. First time for everything I guess.

I love Federer to win on Sunday. He actually played pretty mediocre against Naldabian and was very fortunate things worked out the way they did. He may have not been able to beat this guy today.

He seldom ever pairs 2 mediocre matches back to back. Nadal is in serious trouble.

[Exceller]

Looks like they have Nadal as a 7-5 favorite. Have to drop 140 to win 100 with him.

[Gander]

Makes sense. The guy hasnt lost a match on clay since April 2005. He is the defending champ here. Federer looked very average in his semi and wa kind of lucky the other guy pulled up lame.

That said, I like the greatest player to ever pick up a racket to come back strong and show junior what winning a grand slam is all about.

[brockguy]

in fairness to federer, he always finds Nalbandian difficult to beat. hes a tough stubburn player. I still think FedEx will do the biz, but he is up against it big time!

[Exceller]

I am actually looking forward more to the tennis match than the Belmont. That is a first.

[Gander]

Me too, but thats a no brainer.

Lets see, Federer vs Nadal. Easily the 2 best players in the world. Federer going for his 8th grand slam and this would complete his personal slam and he would hold all 4 titles.

Belmont we get Sunriver and Bluegrass Cat, wahhhooo. I'm more looking forward to the 2 races after the Belmont than the Belmont. What a clumsy bunch of kittens!