Fedex fails to overcome the Rafa barrier_08.06.08

The point of contention: What does Federer need to do to beat Nadal on clay ?

Well, as far as the results of today's final indicate, I see only a couple of options
- Kill the Mallorcan or,
- Change his name to Rafael Nadal.
The 12 time Grand Slam champion just did not bring the right person to the court today. It wasa case of total annhilation if the 6-1 6-3 6-0 scoreline is anything to go by. On one of his days, Federer with those deft backhand slices, and deep forehands down the line would have been handful for even 2 Rafaels but today there was everything amiss in the champs game. The flowing poetry that he exhibits in his game on grass just does not suit his clay court play. Federer complains that he is wary of the slippery courts of Roland Garros, but to be honest, he is just not getting the footwork right for clay. Meeting the ball on the rise and hitting great angles with brilliant hand speed is Fedex's strength and as it turns out his greatest weakness on clay.
The clay courts of Paris, do not give Federer value for money for his great angles, because they just aren't fast enough. Not to undermine the nimble footwork of Rafa, but Federer just needs to be a little less poetic so to say, and be a fighter with a do or die attitude for every point if he has to get past this man on clay. Ever. Speaking of Nadal, he just continued where he left off against Djokovic. The guy has been flawless all through tournament. With a 4th consecutive French Open title he equals Bjorg's record and enters the anals of sporting history.

At present the tally stands like this. Federer - 12 ( 5 wimbledons, 4 US and 3 Australian); Nadal ( 4 French). It will be a shame if Federer does not get the French under his belt at the end of his career, a nagging blip in an otherwise exemplary career.