French Open men's final - any hope for Federer?

A little background: Rafa holds a 10-6 lifetime advantage, and is 8-1 on clay. He appears to be able to curl more weight, and is 27-0 lifetime at the French Open.

2005 semis: Nadal, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3
2006 final: Nadal, 1-6, 6-1, 6-5, 7-6 (4)
2007 final: Nadal, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
2008 final: ???

 

Not much, Nadal on clay is just too good for even Federer. The 16 straight grand slam semis is ridiculous though.

 

Yeah, the best player in the world, maybe the best ever, has no chance.

 

Against a guy who owns that clay? Yeah, sounds about right. No blue type needed.

 

To say that Federer has no chance -- no matter the surface, the circumstance or Rafa clay court superiority -- is flat out stupid.
Would you really be shocked if Federer won? I wouldn't

 

I would. Nadal's clay game is improved over last year's (yes, that's possible), and Federer's isn't. Federer has struggled, as much as he's capable of, on clay this year. Lost in some tournaments early, been stretched in some wins, etc.

Just because Federer's No. 1 doesn't mean it wouldn't be a shock if he won tomorrow. Nadal's the best clay courter of this era and might be the best clay courter ever.

 

I would. No question about it. Clay has tripped up many great players, and as long as Rafa's around, Federer will never be favored to win the French. It'd be a pretty big upset if he won Sunday.

 

8-1 = Nadal's record against Federer on clay.

 

Since Federer HAS beaten Nadal on clay once, ipso facto he has a chance. Not a very good one, however. But 10-1 odds, say. Horses with that price come in every so often.

 

I'd be shocked if Federer wins.

Maybe a 5 percent chance?

Would love to see him at least get a break somewhere. Maybe steal a set. Make it a match.

 

Oh, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he won a set. He's the last person to win a set off Nadal at Roland Garros. I would be surprised if he won two.