RAFAEL NADAL is just one victory from a record-equalling sixth French Open titles and it's hard to see the world No.1's dreams being destroyed.
The 25-year-old Mallorcan, who is looking to match Bjorn Borg's six Roland Garros crowns, comes up against the mighty Roger Federer.
Nadal got there after a convincing victory over Andy Murray, who failed to produce the brilliant performance I predicted and all British tennis fans were hoping for.
But my spirits were lifted several hours later when Swiss ace Fed delivered the stunning victory I tipped (5-2) against Novak Djokovic.
Today's meeting will be the 25th between the giants of men's tennis. For the record Nadal has 16 wins to Federer's eight. The pair have met 13 times on clay and Spaniard Nadal lives up to his nickname of “The King of Clay” with an astonishing 11 victories to two.
Federer's last clay win over his big rival was in 2009 while Nadal has won their two meetings on the same surface since. The last of them this year in Madrid. They have squared up twice in 2011 already with Nadal emerging victorious on both occasions.
With all the stats in mind and despite Fed's heroics against Djokovic, I cannot see past Nadal (4-9, Skybet, Bluesquare, 888sport) today. Federer is priced 2-1 with bet365, Boylesports, Victor Chandler and Stan James.
Nadal, who will be replaced as world No.1 by Djokovic if he were to lose, is likely to have a set taken off him by his opponent. Therefore 3-1 Nadal (14-5, Sportingbet) is worth a look.
Set betting: Nadal 3-0 (23-10, Boylesports), 3-1 (14-5, Sportingbet), 3-2 (11-2, Stan James, Sportingbet); Federer 3-0 (12-1, Stan James), 3-1 (7-1, Sportingbet), 3-2 (17-2, Sportingbet).
Recommendation
Nadal 3-1 (14-5, Sportingbet)
