French Open finalists at odds over the weather; while Nadal hopes for a sunny day, rival Soderling prefers it to be wet and cool
French Open finalists at odds over the weather; while Nadal hopes for a sunny day, rival Soderling prefers it to be wet and cool
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| Rafael Nadal. Pic/ Getty Images | Soderling |
The last Sunday at Roland Garros will see Nadal face the only man ever to have beaten him on the Parisien clay, with Soderling all that stands between the Spaniard and his fifth title.
Thunder storms are forecast and Nadal admits that could play into his opponent's hands as Soderling looks to upset the 24-year-old for the second successive year.
Asked what conditions he would prefer to play in, Nadal simply said: "Always sun."
Elaborating, the World No 2 added: "First thing, because sun is energy.
"Second thing, because everything is nicer with the sun than with the rain, wind, these kind of things.
"Third point, because with the sun, my ball is getting more topspin than with rain and with other conditions.
"So three points that I think."
And while Soderling will not necessarily be doing a rain dance before taking to Philippe Chatrier Court on Sunday, he left no doubt what kind of climate he wants.
"Of course it's tougher when it's warmer, especially physically," said the 25-year-old, who expended plenty of sweat during his five-set semi-final victory over Tomas Berdych.
"I think I can do well in any condition, but against Tomas, it was tough."
Soderling followed up 2009's stunning success over Nadal by dumping out defending champion Roger Federer this year in a wet and windy quarter-final.
Asked if similar conditions could play into the Swede's hands, Nadal said: "Well, ask Roger about it.
"When the court is humid and wet, the ball doesn't bounce back as high. It's much heavier, so it's more difficult to play.
"But we're talking about a final here at Roland Garros.
"I'm not going to start wondering, 'My goodness, what's the weather going to be like? Are we going to have wind or sun?'
"Whether it's a sunny day or a rainy day, I will play my best tennis."
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