• French Open

I'm not the favourite - Federer

Roger Federer has been in impressive form in Paris © Getty Images

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Follow our live coverage of the French Open final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Roger Federer has shrugged off claims that he is the favourite to win the French Open final against rival Rafael Nadal.

World No. 1 Nadal is a five-time champion at Roland Garros and has suffered just one defeat in six years in Paris, but has been far from his usual imperious self on the clay this year.

The Spaniard was unbeaten on the clay last season, but has suffered two defeats at the hands of Novak Djokovic in Madrid and Rome, and has shown signs of weakness in his early-round matches.

Federer, meanwhile, snuck under the radar in the opening stages as the spotlight was firmly on the top two seeds Nadal and Djokovic, but has played some of his best tennis on clay, including a stunning semi-final victory over Djokovic to end the Serb's unbeaten start to 2011.

Federer finally completed his career Grand Slam with victory at the French Open in 2009, but he did not have to face Nadal, who suffered his only defeat at the hands of Robin Soderling.

And despite his impressive form in Paris, Federer knows he will have to reserve his very best tennis for the final. Federer has never beaten Nadal at Roland Garros - losing in three successive finals between 2006 and 2008.

"We played a great match in Madrid and obviously I've got my hands full with him now," Federer said. "Whoever thinks it's going to be a walk in the park is so wrong. Everybody knows how many times he's gotten me here in Paris.

"I'm happy I never had a letdown just because he has beaten me here and that I never stopped believing. That's why I got the Roland Garros title in 2009, which remains one of my most special wins in my career.

"And I have another opportunity to beat Rafa here and get the French Open title. I've got to play some extraordinarily special tennis. I'm aware of that."

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