Eric Feferberg / AFP - Getty Images

Roger Federer will win his first French Open title by getting past his nemesis on clay, Rafael Nadal, predicts Bud Collins of MSNBC.com.

Return-of-serve: Both players are quite effective when it comes to the return-of-serve. Federer certainly has used the shot well throughout his career. But Nadal is more proficient in this area.

The Spaniard is significantly more dangerous with his return-of-serve. He gets a tremendous lefty spin on his returns and that makes it very difficult for opponents to start a point against him. Nadal's tremendous spin on the return-of-serve has bothered Federer in the past, particularly on the backhand side.
Edge: Nadal

Forehand: Nadal has such variety with his forehand -- he can hit it inside-out, down the line, and crosscourt. And he moves so well that he’s able to effectively run around the backhand to hit some winning forehands.

Federer has a very good forehand, and it is a tremendous weapon for him so I could almost call this category a dead heat. Federer places the forehand well and is able to attack with it better than Nadal since the Spaniard tends to use the forehand from the backcourt. If Federer is going to beat Nadal he’s going to have to win points with his forehand.
Edge: Nadal

Backhand: Federer’s backhand is the better weapon. He can chip it, hit through it, hit over it, and having that ability is a tremendous advantage. The backhand isn't a weakness for Nadal, but Federer’s just more effective with the shot.
Edge: Federer

Fitness: Both players are tremendously fit, but Nadal is stronger. If this is a lengthy match it the edge will be with Nadal. Truth be told, Nadal was a little worn out in Hamburg, but if that match was a best-of-five sets, I’m not convinced that he wouldn’t have found that extra energy to find a way to stay in it.
Edge: Nadal

Slideshow   The Week in Sports Pictures A kayaker flips out, a racehorse eyes the Triple Crown and more. more photos

Mental Toughness: Both players are winners here. Federer has gained an extra mental oomph after beating Nadal in Hamburg, but the longer the match goes the stronger mentally Nadal becomes given he can draw off the confidence of having been the last man standing on the Paris clay the past couple of years.
Edge: Even

Intangibles: For Federer there's the desire to achieve the non-calendar-year Grand Slam and keep alive his quest for a calendar-year Grand Slam. For Nadal there’s the pressure to win on clay since he's regarded as the sport's master on the surface.

More news

Gregorio Borgia / AP

Isner will be dark horse in Paris

  Video: Harry Cicma previews the American's chances to win the French Open against the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

Headlines

• Label

Djokovic, Federer could meet in French SF again

Serena Williams says sister Venus is 'inspiring'

Sharapova ready to take game by storm again

I lost focus after French Open title, says Li

Monfils pulls out of French Open with knee injury

Almagro beats Simon to reach Open de Nice final

Radwanska reaches final of Belgian Open

Schiavone reaches Strasbourg semifinal

Headlines

• Label

Djokovic, Federer could meet in French SF again

Serena Williams says sister Venus is 'inspiring'

Sharapova ready to take game by storm again

I lost focus after French Open title, says Li

Monfils pulls out of French Open with knee injury

Almagro beats Simon to reach Open de Nice final

Radwanska reaches final of Belgian Open

Schiavone reaches Strasbourg semifinal