Federer: I'll finally get my clay day in the sun

May 25 2008

WORLD No.1 Roger Federer insists he is ready to knock clay-court king Rafael Nadal off his perch to finally end his 10-year French Open hoodoo

The 26-year-old has made the last two finals in Paris but lost on both occasions to Nadal and the French Open remains the only Grand Slam title Federer (below) has failed to win.

The Swiss star begins his 10th campaign at Roland Garros when the action gets under way tomorrow and faces a tough first-round match with American Sam Querrey.

But Federer arrives in Paris on the back of a decent few run on clay having won in Estoril and reached the final in Monte Carlo and Hamburg. Reigning three-time champ Nadal will be the main danger but Federer is confident he can snatch the title from his big rival.

He said: "I'm feeling where I want to be shortly before a big tournament. I'm moving well and I know I can beat Nadal."

Spanish second seed Nadal faces Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci in his opening match.

In the women's draw, a vacant title is up for grabs after the retirement of 2007 champion Justine Henin. Top seed Maria Sharapova, Serbian duo Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic and the USA's Serena Williams are the main challengers.