Let's assume for a moment that Nadal and Federer do both make it to the final. It seems that Federer clearly has the tougher draw. Will that be a disadvantage, having worn him down, or advantage that he is more prepared, having faced tougher oppontents in the earlier rounds?

I don't think that should be a prob for Fed, I don't think his fitness is an issue and I think that he will get a lot from a tougher draw, Fed seems to play best when challenged and that can only stand him in good stead for the final.

:D

And he better win it!

No probs for Fed IMO. It's Nadal who is the worry I think, and okay he may get match tough through all of this but he wil also get more burnt out too

Nadals not been too convincing in his last two matches. He also knows Federer nearly beat him in Rome, so that will be on his mind .Is he starting to feel the pressure ?

I thought that he even might have lost against Hewitt today but after the third set he upped the gear and he destroyed Hewitt comfortably. The signs are still there that he will win it be it against Federer or not.

Hmm.. the phrase 'Match Hardened' springs to mind.

I think that if it is a Fed v Rafa final then Fed will have had the perfect chance to sharpen his game against Nalby (assumng that it would be Nalby) and Ancic. I think he's been in 2nd gear so far, so might relish the challenge.

I'd say one thing though.. Rafa is playing an awful lot of mid-court balls that better players would punish in spite of his phenomenal defensive skills. Also his UE count seems very high.

So the best thing would be for him to get seriously pushed in the quarters and semis to prime him for the final. I don't care how strong a player's competitive spirit is, if they're not on their 'A' game against the best, then they may well be playing catch-up. That applies to both Fed and Rafa when playing each other!

Shades of Rome in terms of general difficulty of draw for each of them, maybe?