Afternoon all. So the ancien regime has been restored in Paris. For the first time since the 2009 Australian Open, and for just the second time since that Wimbledon encounter in 2008, it's Roger versus Rafa in a grand slam final.
Few at Roland Garros would have predicted this scenario a fortnight ago, when one bookmaker offered odds of 18-1 on Federer prevailing. The 29-year-old, down to No3 in the world and without a major final appearance in 16 months, was the half-forgotten man. All the talk was of Nadal and Novak Djokovic's tussle for the No1 spot and whether Nadal could recover from back-to-back defeats to the Serb in the Madrid and Rome finals.
But then Federer went and broke Djokovic's 43-match, six-month stranglehold on the men's game in a remarkable semi-final on Friday.
"I wasn't lying on the beach,' said Federer after that match. "I continue to make sacrifices and, when it really counts, I'm at the big occasion. I have another opportunity here to beat Rafa and take another French Open title. I'm aware that I've got to play some extraordinary tennis, but I never stopped believing."
Weather-permitting, play is due to get under way at 2pm BST. But the weathermen say there's only a 20% chance of Roland Garros dodging the forecast storms this afternoon. Which could make it a rerun of the 2008 Wimbledon final. I doubt many would say no if it was.
I think I'd rather sit on a sharp and rusty fence than call this one.Sure, Nadal's the favourite with the bookies and rightly so, he's priced at around 4-9 compared to Federer at 7-4. There's no doubt he's the better clay-court player, he's only lost once at Roland Garros in 45 matches and has beaten Federer in the three previous French Open finals they've contested.
But throughout this tournament it's Federer who's been playing the better tennis, and he produced the performance of the fortnight – and one of the best of the year so far - to end Djokovic's unbeaten run. And having finally won the Coupe des Mousquetaires two years ago (after Robin Soderling accounted for Nadal in the fourth round), the pressure is off. For the first time against the Spaniard at Roland Garros, Federer can enjoy the occasion. And that might just allow him to pull off what would be, even by his standards, one of his greatest ever wins.
Tale of the tape (well we do it for boxers, right?)
Nadal-Federer
25 Age 29
6ft 1in Height 6ft 1in
13st 6lb Weight 13st 4lb
1 World ranking 3
45 Career titles 67
9 Grand slam titles 16
$40,052,402 Career prize money $62,497,310
16 Wins in past meetings 8
In Nadal's corner: Uncle Toni, Rafa's girlfriend, probably a token Spanish sportsman or two.
In Federer's corner: Mrs Federer, coach Paul Annacone, the slightly scary Anna Wintour.
Another name that can probably be added to the Team Federer list is Novak Djokovic. Should Federer win this afternoon, and prevent Nadal from equalling Bjorn Borg's record of six French Open titles, Djokovic would be propelled to the world No1 ranking for the first time. If Nadal emerges victorious, he'll keep hold of the top spot for another few weeks - at least until Wimbledon.
A weather update. British Eurosport are currently showing cycling and BBC Two seem more interested in the MotoGP, but according to Twitter at least the weather is holding at the moment, and there's even a bit of sun. So we're on for a 2pm start.
Here comes Roger. He does a quick interview in French, but the Eurosport translator comes to my rescue. Apparently Federer hopes things are going to be different to his previous French Open finals against Nadal and he's out to do his very best.
And here's Rafa. He says it's a big honour to play Federer and he's looking forward to a really good match. And that's about that.
Tok, tok, tok, tok, tok, they're warming up. Nadal is once again wearing his blue and white ensemble, Federer his red and white Swiss number. Not surprisingly, the Parisians sound quite up for this one. A few former champions are presented to the crowd, including Gustavo Kuerten and Jim Courier. And talking of former French Open champions, over on the BBC, Sue Barker is doing her best to flirt with Boris Becker. Meanwhile Federer will serve first.
*Nadal 0-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Nadal sets out his tactics from the start, attacking Federer's backhand in a lengthy exchange, but he goes long. An ace from Federer makes it 40-0, Nadal demands the umpire gets down from his chair to inspect the line but the call stands. Federer then dispatches a short ball to rattle through his opening service game to love.
Nadal 0-2 Federer*
Federer's on the attack straight away, thumping a forehand drive volley and then forcing Nadal into an error. 0-30. Two points later and it's 15-40. Two break points. Nadal saves the first with a great body serve and follow-up, and then Federer misses the second as he goes for broke on a forehand down the line. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Nadal looks for all the world like he's going to bury a short ball, but slams it into the net. Jeu and break Federer. And this from a slightly excited Gary Naylor: "Seeing the same individuals or teams in finals year-in year-out can get dull as familiarity breeds contempt. Doesn't apply to these two though."
*Nadal 0-3 Federer
Big serving from Federer. 15-0. 30-0. 40-0. 40-15. Game. What a start from the Swiss. And this from Matt Byron: "Is Nadal basically going to win this because of his fitness? He doesn't seem as much of a tennis player as simply a human Duracell bunny, whose speed and power save him more often than his tennis abilities. For that reason, I think Federer is a much worthier champion. Even though he increasingly just looks like a faded star."
Nadal 1-3 Federer*
At 30-all, Federer briefly thinks he's brought up a break point with a forehand down the line, but the umpire overrules. Federer goes for another winner on the next point but miscues into the tramlines. Nadal gets his first game on the board, but he really hasn't settled into this final yet. He looks strangely nervous.
*Nadal 1-4 Federer
The longest rally of the match so far sees Nadal come out on top, 30-all. But Federer dismisses the danger by rattling off the next two points. He couldn't have asked for a better start. A few umbrellas go up on Philippe Chatrier, by the way. But thankfully they're because of the sun rather than any imminent threat of rain.
Nadal 2-4 Federer*
A rocket of a return from Federer gets it to 15-all. Nadal gives the line a fierce glare, before trudging over to serve again. He comes through the game to 30, finishing it off with a cross-court winner. Meanwhile Mick James is swearing at his TV: "Who is the BBC commentator who keeps saying "changeup" when he means "variation"? It's so annoying, if this was Wimbledon I'd suggest sending someone round to punch him." Not sure Mick - I switched over to Eurosport when Sue Barker started flirting with Boris. Will get back to you ...
*Nadal 2-5 Federer
A hint of danger for Federer at 15-30, but he thumps down an ace and forces Nadal into a backhand error. Nadal then has a chat with the umpire, it's not too clear why, perhaps he's calling for the trainer. Federer takes the game and yes, the trainer is on. It's a problem with Nadal's foot, which is heavily bandaged. The trainer snips off a bit of the bandage and puts a bit of talc on (will that really help?) and then scurries off court. And in answer to Mick - I've narrowed the culprits down to John Lloyd and Andrew Castle. And then George emails to confirm that it's Mr Castle.
Nadal 3-5 Federer*
Thwack. Uggh. Thwack. Uggh. Thwack. Uggh. Thwack. Uggh. Thwack. Uggh. Deuce. Advantage Federer - set point - but he attempts a drop shot, which just sneaks wide. It's then Nadal's turn to bring up advantage, and he takes the game with a backhand cross-court winner, one of his best shots of the match so far. Federer will serve for the set.
And while Mick James wants to have a fight with the TV, Dave Freeman seems to want to have a fight with Matt Byron: "I think Matt misses the point. You don't win nine grand slams simply by being fitter than your opponents. Nadal is a champion and world No1 because he is so mentally strong and technically and tactically great. There's a reason even greats like Federer can't cope with Nadal's top spin – just look at how his normally excellent backhand unravels against Nadal. That said it seems to be holding up for now."
*Nadal 4-5 Federer
Some forehand missiles from Nadal get it to 30-all. And Federer nets a backhand. 30-40, Nadal has the chance to break.And that he does, with a fantastic running forehand down the line which Federer can only volley into the net. My my. And an email in French, but I think it's most likely spam: "Excuser moi de vous déranger, le plaisir pour moi de faire votre connaissance, liée une amitié et une relation sincère avec vous. je vous laisse sur ce mot en espérant vous relire."
Nadal 5-5 Federer*
From 30-all, Federer miscues on a return to give Nadal game point. Federer goes wide with a backhand and for the first time in this match, we're on level terms. And an email from Matt Bryon entitled FIGHT!: "I notice that while Dave Freeman points out Nadal's technical, mental and tactical abilities, he doesn't point out that he is a great tennis player, though. Which was kind of my point."
*Nadal 6-5 Federer
Some magnificent hitting from Nadal - two winning forehand passing shots down the line - make it 0-30. Nadal jumps up in the air a few times and pumps his fist a lot. Federer restores parity at 30-all, but he's powerless to prevent Nadal thumping his way to break point. Federerjust makes a forehand winner, which somehow dips and clips the line. Deuce. A fantastic reflex volley from Nadal and it's another break point. And that's four straight games for the defending champion, who will serve for the set.
Nadal wins the first set 7-5
From 30-all, an error from Federer brings up set point. Nadal absolutely wallops a forehand cross-court winner past a stranded Federer and from 5-2 down, it's first blood to Nadal. Can Federer recover from this? The first set seemed a vital one for him, momentum and confidence-wise. It's a tough ask for him now. Meanwhile the multi-tasking Kevin Alvarez is somehow managing to read this game-by-game, coach tennis, and send me an email all at once: "Am making my squad of players sit in the club house at Surbiton and take note of the game. Federer's guile and Nadal's doggedness are things I'm trying to instill in them."
*Nadal 7-5 1-0 Federer
A shell-shocked Federer slips to 0-30 down and then dumps a smash into the net to present Nadal with three break points. Nadal can't take the first, but makes no mistake on the second, reading Federer's drop shot and putting the ball away. Worrying times for Federer. That's six games on the spin he's lost now.
Nadal 7-5 2-0 Federer*
15-0. 30-0. 40-0. Jeu Nadal. Make that seven in a row.
*Nadal 7-5 2-1 Federer
Federer stops the rot, holding to 30. His first game on the board for around 35 or 40 minutes. Cue a slightly ironic cheer from the crowd. Meanwhile Cormac Mee is mulling over Roger and Rafa's choice of changeover drinks: "So Roger's an orange juice man and Nadal's a water pater. What does this say about there personalities?" Not sure Cormac, but think Roger could do with something slightly stronger in his orange juice right now.
Nadal 7-5 3-1 Federer*
Federer makes inroads on Nadal's serve by getting to 30-all, but Nadal takes the next point and is handed the second when Federer nets. And some more thoughts from Gary Naylor: "Can we talk of Federer's guile these days? He knows that he's unlikely to win long matches, maybe even long rallies, against the top men, so he appears to take too many risks looking for winners. The guile may still be in his head, but it's not in his play. No wonder - with all those miles on the clock."
*Nadal 7-5 3-2 Federer
Federer slips to 15-40 down. Two break points. He saves both with two strong serves, but even that doesn't really buoy the muted crowd up. Deuce. And then it's another break point for Nadal. Mrs Federer is grimacing in the players' box, but her man eventually comes through by taking the next three points, finishing off with a rare backhand winner. The crowd cheer a bit louder. And this from a helpful Peter Darbyshire: "Writing here from Quebec where I work as a translator from English to French. The "French" e-mail at 4-5 is horribly written. It hurt my eyes just reading it. I think you can take it for granted it's a wind-up."
Nadal 7-5 4-2 Federer*
Nadal is cruising at 40-0, throwing in his first ace of the day to get there, but a couple of beautiful backhands from Federer and he forges his way to deuce. That has some of the crowd on their feet, as they desperately try and gee the underdog up, but Nadal then goes and ruins things by winning the next two points.
*Nadal 7-5 4-3 Federer
15-0. 30-0. 40-0. Game. Federer's clearly been listening to Paul Stephens: "Roger needs to take a leaf out of John Isner's book - serve four aces on his service games then get a mis-hit off Rafa in the tie-breaks. At the moment this is one-way traffic, Rafa is just relentless."
Nadal 7-5 4-4 Federer*
Federer works his way to 30-40 with a tremendous forehand winner on the run and a backhand missile down the line after a lengthy baseline dual. He can't take the break point. Deuce. Advantage Federer. Deuce. Advantage Federer. And this time he does break, as Nadal nets. Cue a "Rojaair, Rojaair" or three.
*Nadal 7-5 5-4 Federer
But no sooner does Federer break, than he's broken. He manages to save two break points at 15-40, but from deuce he nets a forehand volley on the stretch and sends a backhand into the tramlines. Mrs Federer again mutters something to herself, while Rafa's girlfriend is not surprisingly looking rather serene. Once again Nadal manages to step it up when he needs to, he's just such a formidable match player and will serve for a two sets to love lead.
Play is suspended
From 30-all, a backhand from Federer goes an inch or two long. Set point. And it's raining. Play continues though and a Nadal forehand clips the net and sails into the tramlines. Deuce. And now it's really raining. The umbrellas are up. The players move towards the umpire and play is suspended. What a time to stop. The cover's haven't come on though, so hopefully it'll be a brief delay.
Meanwhile in the BBC studio it's back to Sue's flirting with Boris. Which seems like a good time to bring in the monikered Fernando. "You can measure the level of tennis in a country by its TV commentators. While foreign TV has multiple grand slam champions who do we have in the UK? Oh yeah Becker in the studios in London!"
And after what can only be a delay of about 10 minutes, they're back on. And because the stoppage was so brief, there'll be no warm-up. Nadal immediately brings up his second set point, but Federer comes into the net and Nadal can only net the resulting volley. Deuce. Nadal goes long and then completely shanks a forehand. Federer breaks. We're back on serve at 5-all.
*Nadal 7-5 5-6 Federer
You'd think the damper, slower conditions would favour Nadal but not so. Federer races through his service game to love, not that half the crowd saw it because they're still taking their seats after that rain break.
Nadal 7-5 6-6 Federer
A couple of errors on the Federer backhand get Nadal to 40-15. Federer then overcooks a forehand and we're into a second set tie-break, a breaker the world No3 surely has to win if he's to have any chance of turning this match around.
Nadal wins the second set tie-break 7-3
Nadal wins the opening point of the tie-break and then opens up on the forehand to go 2-0 up. Then it's 3-0. A big miss from Federer and it's 4-zip. Then it's Nadal's turn to throw in an error to make it 4-1. Federer pulls back one of the mini-breaks to get to 4-2, but misses a chance on Nadal's second serve. 5-2. Nadal rattles off a backhand winner and it's four set points. 6-2. Uncle Toni leaps out of his seat. Nadal misses the first set point but another backhand missile and that's the set. Nadal screams very loudly. Surely it's the point of no return for Federer now? A flat tie-break from him, especially considering how hard he worked to get back into the set.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 1-0 Federer*
Nadal holds to 15. "Is it just me or are you also getting confused that Nadal is wearing blue and Federer is red?" asks Darren Holliday. "I seem to be programmed to think it should be the other way around. I feel like I'm watching the Merseyside derby with Everton and Liverpool swapping shirts before the game."
*Nadal 7-5 7-6 1-1 Federer
Federer holds to love, while I try to digest the stats from the match so far. Nadal's hit just 18 winners compared to Federer's 41, but only 16 unforced errors compared to Federer's 39. Which is the story of the match really. Federer is having to force the issue and it's just not quite coming off.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 2-1 Federer*
A relatively comfortable service game for Nadal, as he comes through to 15. Meanwhile Will Paterson seems to be accusing me of making him fail law school. "We have our final exams on Tuesday and everyone is sat on the computers refreshing the live blog as the computers are too antiquated to handle video. If you could also tell us to get back to work that would be great as if they start doing it I will too..." Give it 30 minutes or so Will and I reckon you'll have to come up with another excuse not to work.
*Nadal 7-5 7-6 2-2 Federer
A nice mix-up from Federer at 30-all as he comes into the net and controls a volley. He bludgeons a forehand wide on the next point and it's deuce. But his aim is better at advantage and this time his forehand whistles past Nadal for the game.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 3-2 Federer*
A hint of danger for Nadal at 15-30. He nudges ahead to get to 40-30, but an attempted lob goes long and it's deuce. Federer throws in a loose return to gift Nadal advantage. And Nadal digs out a backhand winner to stay ahead in the set.
*Nadal 7-5 7-6 4-2 Federer
At 0-30, Federer tries to be too clever which a drop shot and it slides into the net. 0-40. Three break points. And a very loose forehand gifts Nadal the break. Probably one of Federer's weakest games of the entire match. His first serve percentage is now down at 50% for the set, compared to Nadal's at around the 70 mark.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 4-3 Federer*
A wounded Federer responds immediately, charging 0-30 ahead on Nadal's serve and then thumping away a smash from the back of the court. 0-40. Three break points. And just the one will do, as this time his drop shot does come off. Meanwhile Kate Robinson is feeling Will Paterson's pain. "My friend, Dee, and I are doing exactly the same thing in Australia. Trying to study for exams, but in reality just constantly refreshing the tennis scores." And a pedant's email from Ian Copestake: "I hope Will is not "sat" on an exam that tests the use of the passive tense in English."
*Nadal 7-5 7-6 4-4 Federer
An impressive hold from Federer, to 15, and he finishes it off with an ace. With a spring in his step, he charges up to the chair for a quick racket change. And here's David Holmes (not the DJ, I don't think), extolling the virtues of 3D tennis: "I've been watching the coverage on Eurosport 3D and, while the 3D doesn't add much, how nice it is to follow sporting events where the director is made to focus on only the action. Instead of the MTV-ization of live television that requires 20 camera angles pre-serve followed by super slow mo followed by crowd shots of who-knows-what. Hooray for technology that actually limits your viewpoint! Who knew that would be the main benefit of 3D?" Who knew indeed, David.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-4 Federer*
Nadal holds comfortably, not that I saw any of it because my computer crashed and the multi-coloured swirling umbrella of doom appeared. But I can tell you that it means Federer will have to serve to stay in the final ...
*Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-5 Federer
... and that he does, holding to 15 with some excellent serving, far more efficient than my computer which is still rousing itself back into action.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-6 Federer*
Some vicious strikes from Federer on the forehand side and suddenlyit's three break points at 0-40. The first goes begging, but Federer then constructs a wonderful point to nudge 6-5 ahead. Cue by far the loudest cheer from the crowd so far. The Parisians are willing this into a fourth set, can Federer oblige? And all of this from 4-2 down.
Federer wins the third set 7-5
15-0. "COME ON," shouts Federer. Backhand winner down the line, 30-0. A perfectly-executed drop shot, 40-0. Three set points. Federer misses on the first, but then absolutely wallops away an inside out forehand and that's the set. Game on.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-7 1-0 Federer*
Federer's flying right now. At 0-15, Nadal thinks he's produced a passing winner, but Federer somehow conjures up a wonderful volley. Nadal nets on the next point and it's 0-40. Three break points. Nadal saves the first, saves the second, stepping into mid-court to punch away a forehand winner, and then saves the third with an ace. Three superb points. And then Federer goes wide on the return. "VAMOS," screams Nadal. And he holds.
*Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-7 1-1 Federer
Federer holds to 15 with some brutal serving, just as Will Paterson decides to get nasty. "In answer to Ian, no, I don't think it is on the exam, but there's plenty of divorce law so give me a call when you need me - grammatical pedancy is a real passion killer I hear." Ouch.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-7 2-1 Federer*
Anything Federer can do ... Nadal responds in kind with a convincing hold of his own. And this from David Kirkpatrick, who by the sounds of it could soon have a medical malpractice suit on his hands: "Will's "homework" may be stalled, but my patients in Dubai are confused by their erratic consultation timings as I switch between their notes and yours between consults."
*Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-7 3-1 Federer
But suddenly Federer's serve deserts him and his first double fault of the day brings up three break points at 0-40.Federer nets. Jeu and break Nadal.
Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-7 4-1 Federer*
Nadal consolidates the break by coming through to 30. But I was putting a nice new picture above so I didn't see much of it to be honest. But here's something from Freddie O'Farrell to keep you going: "A2 revision on hold. Right now this match is far more important than any measly university place."
*Nadal 7-5 7-6 5-7 5-1 Federer
Federer staves off a break point at 30-40, but can't repeat the trick at advantage after a brutal onslaught from Nadal. Nadal breaks and will serve for the championship. And it's not just Federer who's waving the white flag, here's Ian Copestake: "My thanks to Will. All joshing aside hope his exams go well. I would call on his services but being single restricts my need both for divorce lawyers and the use of the possessive."
Nadal beats Federer to win the French Open 7-5 7-6 5-7 6-1
Nadal whips a forehand down the line. 15-0. Another forehand rifle. 30-0. Federer nets a return. 40-0. Three championship points. Nadal looks like he's welling up and misses with his first serve. He regathers to get the second serve in, a quick rally ensues, and Federer goes long. Nadal falls down, his face buried in the red clay, but he picks himself up pretty quickly and scampers up to the net to embrace his opponent.
Nadal has a few quick words for the courtside reporter: He speaks in Spanish, but apparently he says what a hard and special tournament it is to win, and what's happened to him at Roland Garros is better than anything, it's a dream. Or something along those lines.
Trophy time. Federer trudges up first and is presented with runners-up trophy by Jim Courier, before Nadal comes forward to get his hands on the Coupe des Mousquetaires for a record-equalling sixth time. Cue the Spanish national anthem.
Federer then takes the microphone and, in French, congratulates Nadal, says he's sad to lose to him, but that he's proud to play him again in a grand slam final.
Nadal kindly decides to speak in English and apologises to Federer for beating him (for the sixth time in eight grand slam finals no less), but then opts to switch to Spanish. Bah. But all he seems to do is the obligatory thanking of the tournament organisers, sponsors and his team.
So there you go. It was another magnificent clay-court display from Nadal, every time Federer got near him, he managed to find a way to raise his game. It's just a shame Federer couldn't push him closer in that fourth set. And by matching Bjorn Borg's tally of six Roland Garros crowns, and claiming a 10th grand slam title overall, Nadal's also ensured he'll stay as the world No1 ahead of Novak Djokovic. Well, at least until Wimbledon swings around in a few weeks' time. Thanks for all your emails today, sorry I couldn't use them all.
Argentina bounced back minutes into the second half after Emiliano Insua sent in a high cross that found Fernando Belluschi who knocked the ball over his head, finding Ruben, who had his back to the goal. With a defender all over his back, the Villarreal striker cut towards the outside and drilled a low shot into the net to tie the game.
