Nadal ready for Federer challenge

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The 21-year-old, who has beaten the world number one in two of their three matches this year, all on clay, believes another year of experience ought to stand him in good stead.

Nadal, who reached the final after fourth seed Novak Djokovic was forced to retire during their semi-final on Saturday, said: "A lot of things have changed and I am playing so much better than last year."

He added: "I am sure he is the favourite but if I continue playing my aggressive tennis I will go onto court believing in victory.

"Anyway I know I have to improve. If I want to win here any day I have to improve my volley, my slice, my aggressive game.

"I have to improve everything but I am just 21 years old."

Following Djokovic's retirement, Nadal said: "I'm sorry for him because it's tough getting the semi-finals playing good tennis, and then to get a match like that and have to retire, that is tough for everyone.

"I don't feel bad. I lost a set but I only had to play three sets, so I feel good physically for Sunday."

Djokovic had already had physical problems having called the trainer in another previous five-set win over Lleyton Hewitt due to a back strain. He put them aside to break the Spaniard in his opening service game of the match.

But from the moment Nadal slammed home a volley at the net to end a thrilling rally and break Djokovic early in the second set, the course of the match changed inexorably.