Roger Federer believes in his chances against Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

Roger Federer is scheduled to meet the King of Clay – Rafael Nadal – in a blockbuster semifinal at the 2019 Roland Garros. Nadal is the favorite to win the match but, the 37 years old, Federer cannot be ruled out to cause an upset. Both champions talked about their prospects in the much anticipated semifinal to be played on Friday.

Nadal intends to stop Federer from playing aggressive tennis.

Rafael Nadal believes he’d need to stop Roger from playing the Federer brand of aggressive tennis. Rafa intends to achieve that by being aggressive himself and not let Roger Federer control the points, gain better positioning, and approach the net. We believe, Nadal will not able to stop Federer from playing aggressive or approaching the net. He, however, will frustrate Federer, into generating errors, by putting enough balls back into play. The grind, as in past, will again be the best way out for Nadal, and we expect him to do just that against Roger.

“I hope to put him in trouble, if not I will be in trouble.” 😅

Rafa on facing Roger in the #RG19 semi-finals…

🎥 @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/LgLNPOKfnw

— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) June 5, 2019

Roger Federer believes he has a chance against Nadal.

Roger Federer has already done better than he expected at this event. He did not approach the French Open as a contender, and is very happy with the results so far. Federer, in order to succeed, will need to take the rhythm away from Nadal and pressurize him with highly aggressive grass court tactics, which only Federer can dare to implement on the clay.

Federer believes he has a chance against Nadal, but it’d take more than “a chance” to beat the King of Clay, on the clay, at Roland Garros.

What else must Federer do better against Nadal?

Roger must ensure a 50%, or better, rate of conversion on the break-points. He converted only 2 of 18 against Stan Wawrinka, and that won’t fly against the King of Clay. Federer must be prepared to receive 80% of the balls on his backhand side and take at least 90% of those early and on the rise to neutralize the spin-effect, of Nadal‘s forehand, early. And, above all, Roger mustn’t allow his mind and intensity to go walkabout.

Conclusion: This one is a toss up.

There’s always a chance…

🎥: @rolandgarros | @rogerfederer | #RG19 pic.twitter.com/asvTqkSDW6

— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) June 5, 2019