Rafael Nadal (L) of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland (Photo : Reuters)
Roger Federer isn't ruling out his rival and fellow former world's no.1 Rafael Nadal at the 2015 French Open, believing the Spaniard is still very much capable of recapturing the magic on the red dirt of Paris despite having the worst stretch of his tennis career.
Federer, who is scheduled to debut at the inaugural Istanbul Open this week, feels Nadal can still bounce back from a series of early-round exits, the latest was a third-round shocker against Fabio Fognini at the Barcelona Open.
The Swiss Maestro stressed that it's still hard to write off Nadal as a major contender at Rolland Garros because the Spaniard has proven time and time again that he could overcome great odds and play his best tennis on the clay-court Grand Slam.
"Rafa for me is still the favourite at the French Open, alongside Djokovic, who has been playing so well," Federer told the press via Istanbul Open. "Even though Rafa's form is not as good as in previous years, I still believe when the French Open rolls around he is going to be very difficult to beat."
Of course, Federer is very much aware that Djokovic is currently playing at the top of his abilities these past three months, and the Serb's threat to Nadal's status as the King of Clay is growing as day passes by. Then again, the Swiss also knows how resilient Nadal has been throughout his career.
Having played the Spaniard in numerous epic encounters, Federer can tell that his rival won't go down on his turf without giving a fight, and that underdog mentality would make him more dangerous at the French Open roughly a month from now.
