Alastair Grant / AP

Rafael Nadal has improved his serve and volleying, one of the key reasons he will defeat Roger Federer in the Wimbledon men's singles final, predicts Bud Collins of MSNBC.com.

Fitness: It would be incredibly inaccurate not to conclude that both Federer and Nadal are in top shape. When you look at Federer, he’s been No. 1 in the world since February 2004 and has won 10 Grand Slam titles. It takes being in pretty great shape to achieve that kind of record.

That said, Nadal is unbelievable when it comes to fitness. I’m quite convinced that he could play five-set matches every day without a worry and without wearing down. He’s a massive, muscular guy who can maneuver on a court with such ease. He’s such a good runner, and he can keep points going longer than any of his opponents.
Edge: Nadal

Mental Toughness: Both Federer and Nadal are pretty sound when it comes to the mental toughness department. Keep in mind it's Wimbledon and the play is on grass. Federer thrives better than anyone on this surface, and he's the four-time defending champion of this grasscourt major. On the lawns Federer’s mental toughness could serve him better than Nadal’s.

On grass Federer might be able to bamboozle Nadal a bit. But let’s not forget that after Federer won the first set of last year's final at 6-0, Nadal found his form and gave Federer a run for his money.
Edge: Federer

Intangibles: I see one major intangible in this final and that’s the fact that Federer is attempting to match Borg as winner of five straight Wimbledons. There’s no denying that has to have Federer feeling more pressure than Nadal.

And on top of that when Federer looks up in the stands during the match he’s going to see Borg staring down at him. So in that sense Federer has more on the line than Nadal, but he'll be up to the challenge.
Edge: Federer

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Djokovic, Federer could meet in French SF again

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Sharapova ready to take game by storm again

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