Fed's French fancy

Federer: French ambition

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World number one Roger Federer feels he has the game to finally end Rafael Nadal's stranglehold on the French Open and claim the only Grand Slam event missing from his illustrious CV.

Federer suffered his eighth loss in nine games to Nadal on the Spaniard's beloved clay surface in Sunday's final of the Hamburg Masters, but he still feels he can come out on top in Paris.

It was a close call on Sunday as Nadal eeked out a 7-5 6-7 6-3 success but the Swiss star says he now has the game on clay to challenge.

Nadal is unbeaten in three years at Roland Garros but Federer is determined to win the final Grand Slam that has eluded his grasp.

The 26-year-old feels this could be his year to finally lift the trophy on end Nadals' dominance on the clay.

"My game is in place," said Federer, who has been beaten by Nadal at the last three French Opens.

Serve

"I am satisfied with my game at the back of the court. My serve must be more efficient in the important points and you can also say that my attacking game must be more consistent.

"But overall I'm happy. The path is going to be very long for me and him (Nadal) at Roland Garros but I think I have a lot of options in my game and it is up to me to use them.

"Here (in Hamburg), in a long and tight match, I didn't feel any tiredness. I don't think that's the case with Rafa.

"I am again in top physical shape.

"I will have two days of rest and arrive on Wednesday in Paris to attack the final preparation days at Roland Garros.

"If all that goes well, I will be ready."

Federer says he felt he controlled the match in Hamburg, but missed his chances and did not serve as he would have liked.

"It is true that it is hard to lose like that, but I still prefer this than losing 6-1 6-2," added Federer.

"And I want to look at the positives in my performance. I didn't have a particular problem in my game.

"Here, more than in Monte Carlo (where he lost to Nadal 7-5 7-5 in the final), it was me who had answers to this match. I had the means to win it myself.

"But, once again, I didn't serve as I wished."