2011 French Open Men’s Final Predictions, Tips and Odds: Roger Federer vs. Rafael Nadal Expert Picks: The argument can be made that Roger Federer is the greatest men’s tennis player in the history of the sport, and the same argument can be made for Rafael Nadal when it comes to clay court prowess. In Sunday’s French Open final, the two dominant players of their generation will once again meet for a Grand Slam title with plenty at stake for both men.
Federer’s 16 Grand Slam titles are the most all-time, but his lone French Open title came in 2009, and it didn’t come against Nadal. A win Sunday would give Federer multiple titles in all four Grand Slam events, and more importantly, it would give him a victory over his biggest rival on what is essentially Nadal’s surface of choice. If there is any doubt that Federer is the greatest men’s player in history, a victory this weekend would erase it.
For Nadal, a win this weekend would further add to his legacy as the greatest clay court player the men’s game has ever seen. Statistically speaking, a sixth title this weekend would tie him with Bjorn Borg for the most all-time. It would also run his career record in the French Open to an incredible 45-1.
On paper, Nadal has the clear advantage. He is a perfect 4-0 against Federer in the French Open, including 3-0 when they have met for the title. Nadal also holds a 6-2 edge overall against Federer in Grand Slam meetings, including a win in the finals of the Australian Open in 2009 when the last Grand Slam matchup between the two. In short, Nadal has gotten the better of Federer more often than not, and he has dismantled Federer at the French Open.
Fortunately for Federer, tennis matches aren’t won and lost on past statistics alone. He just knocked off the seemingly unbeatable Novak Djokovic, and he does enter the finals having lost just a single set during the tournament. More importantly, this weekend’s meeting is the first time that the two have met at Roland Garros since Federer won the French Open title in 2009. With the pressure of obtaining a career Grand Slam no longer a factor, Nadal is the player with everything to lose this time around. If Nadal falters, his legacy as the King of Clay is suddenly put in jeopardy.
Despite the added pressure, it is tough to deny the fact that Nadal has owned Federer on the clay. In their three meetings in the French Open finals, Nadal has won in four sets twice and in straight sets in their most recent meeting. These two have faced each other too many times to have any tricks left up their sleeves, and history says Federer can’t compete on the clay. Don’t expect a blowout this time around, but Nadal has been the better clay court player and will prevail once again.
Prediction and Free Tips: Rafael Nadal Wins in 4 Sets
ATP French Open Odds – Paris, France – Final Matchup June 5, 2011
Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer Odds and Line
Rafael Nadal -255
Roger Federer +215