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PARIS: Former triple champion Gustavo Kuerten
believes Rafael Nadal will complete his march on history by wrapping
up a fourth successive French Open crown.
Kuerten, the champion in 1997,
2000 and 2001, is convinced the Spaniard will succeed in his task of
emulating Bjorn Borg as the only man to win four Roland Garros
trophies on the bounce.
“For me, Nadal is still the
favorite to win,” said Kuerten.
“Also, it’s difficult to see Federer losing to anybody
[before the final]. Maybe
[Nikolay] Davydenko will have a chance. But I think they’re both
favorites. For me, to win, I’m still taking Nadal.”
But Kuerten, who has now called
time on his career following his last appearance here, also believes
that Federer shouldn’t give up hope of winning a first French
Open.
The world’s No. 1 is still
missing a Roland Garros victory from his 12-title Grand Slam
collection.
He has been beaten by Nadal in
the last three years, including the last two finals.
“Roger doesn’t need to play
better,” said the Brazilian. “Sometimes he’s playing enough.
He just needs to play better in the crucial points and win those
important points.”
 --AFP
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