The stakes are high too for the 26-year-old Swiss ace as goes in search of the only major title that still eludes him.

Victory over the Spaniard on Sunday will gain Federer membership to an elite club of five, who have won all four Grand Slam titles and within one of Pete Sampras' record 14 career titles.

On the evidence though, things do not look good for Federer, who lost to Nadal in the last three French Open finals and has beaten him only once in nine meetings on clay.

So far in Paris he has dropped first sets in earlier rounds against Albert Montanes and Fernando Gonzalez and was taken to four sets by unseeded Frenchman Gael Monfils in the semi-final.

Nadal on the other hand, has not dropped a set in two years at Roland Garros and brushed aside Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic with almost contemptuous ease in the other semi.

But Federer believes that this year he can turn the tables on the 22-year-old Mallorcan and is eager to prove the doubters wrong.

"I like this challenge, playing against him on clay, and I really am in a position to win," he said.

"I'm the only player who managed to win against him on clay, and I hope I'm going to do that again on Sunday."

"Rafa has been sublime this tournament. He hasn't had any problems whatsoever.

"But I believe very strongly that this is my year. I did the hard work so far, but I think the toughest test is yet to come."

"I feel I have the right tactics, I have the right game, and I have the fitness to beat him.

"You know, I wanted to be in this position - that is, with Rafa across the net. I think it's the ultimate test on clay.

"It's so much better to win the French Open by beating him. It looks good for Sunday, for me anyway. This is what it's all about; I've been hoping for this to happen.

"I'm where I want to be and I'm playing well, so it's a big, big thrill to play Rafa again in the final here."

Nadal described his 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 semi-final win against Djokovic as 'almost perfect' but remained restrained when asked about his chances of entering the history books on Sunday.

"It's always special to play against Federer," he said. "It's a different atmosphere and the tactics are different too..

"I know for him I have to play my best level. He is the worst opponent you can have to fight against, because he's been my opponent three times in a row.

"He's always the most difficult opponent to defeat."

source : http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12110_3660817,00.html
by simon dilger