Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 23 April 2007 /

World number one Roger Federer is remaining positive despite suffering another defeat on clay at the hands of Rafael Nadal.

The Swiss ace was beaten in straight sets, 6-4 6-4, by the Spanish youngster and his losing streak against Nadal on clay has extended to five losses out of five.

The defeat also meant Federer has lost three events in a row for the first time since 2003.

However, the ten-time Grand Slam winner, who made 38 unforced errors, is determined to look at the positives and feels he has learned something that will help in his bid to win the French Open next month.

"Congratulations to Rafa," Federer said. "What he has achieved is fantastic.

"It's good for me to play against him. He sometimes makes me improve my backhand. I think that problem is solved for me.

"I should have used the chances when I had them early on but unfortunately it turned around with a few mistakes. I feel this match gave me some information.

"I think I'm absolutely in the mix with him on clay, which is how I wanted to feel. It's always disappointing to lose but I feel like I didn't play well and still it was close. That's a good thing."

Federer will not be returning to the clay court until the Masters Series event in Hamburg on May 14, a market for which will open nearer the time.

Whether Federer will finally end his hoodoo against Nadal on clay remains to be seen, but punters appear to believe that it will not come at the French Open as the Spaniard currently trades as the 1.83 favourite to make it a hat-trick of titles.

Federer has never won the trophy at Roland Garros and he is available at 3.3 to rectify that this time of asking.

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