Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 24 June 2007 /

Rafael Nadal says it will be a tough ask to beat Roger Federer to this year's Wimbledon crown, but insists he's ready for the challenge.

The 21-year-world number two is the second favourite at 9 to lift this year's trophy, but he is under no illusions as to who is the man to beat - four-time winner Roger Federer.

Despite holding an 8-4 winning record against the world number one, including victory at the recent French Open, the 'King of Clay' knows who reigns supreme on grass.

Nadal said: "He is favourite here, no? He is better than other players.

"The problem is he wins normally without problems. Normally you have some matches, tough matches, but he always wins. Normally he wins in three sets without a lot of problems. That's going to help him a lot.

"He is more complete. He can do some different things, so that helps him a lot."

Federer, who beat Nadal in four sets in last year's final, is an overwhelming favourite at 1.44 in the outright winner market, while he can be backed at 5 to go through the tournament without dropping a set.

Despite trading as the 3.85 favourite in the 'Winner without Federer' market, Nadal has warned that he will find it tough to adapt from his favoured slow surface to the quicker grass courts.

Betfair punters should also make note of the fact that he faces a tricky test in his first match at Wimbledon when he takes on world number 36, Mardy Fish.

Nadal said: "Wimbledon is one of my favourite tournaments, I love playing on. The truth is probably, for my style of the game, it is the most difficult grand slam for me.

"It's so close, Roland Garros and here. I know last year I reached the final, but it doesn't matter. It is difficult to adapt and change a lot of things in just a week and a half.

"For Federer it is easier to adapt to grass because it is his surface. He feels very good on this surface. But for me it is difficult because I have to change the mentality, especially the style of my game.

"I need to play a little bit more aggressive all the time and serve so much better."

The Spaniard is strongly fancied at 1.18 to book his place in the second round, while punters appear to feel he will make light work of the American - on offer at 8.6 to cause an early shock - as '3-0' is priced at 1.52 in the set betting market.

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