The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Paris

Former triple champion Gustavo Kuerten believes Rafael Nadal will complete his march on history by wrapping up a fourth successive French Open crown.

Kuerten, the champion in 1997, 2000 and 2001, is convinced the Spaniard will succeed in his task of emulating Bjorn Borg as the only man to win four Roland Garros trophies on the bounce.

"For me Nadal is still the favourite to win," said Kuerten.

"Also, it's difficult to see Federer losing to anybody (before the final). Maybe (Nikolay) Davydenko will have a chance. But I think they're both favourites. For me, to win, I'm still taking Nadal."

But Kuerten, who has now called time on his career following his last appearance here, also believes that Federer shouldn't give up hope of winning a first French Open.

The world number one is still missing a Roland Garros victory from his 12-title Grand Slam collection.

He has been beaten by Nadal in the last three years, including the last two finals.

"Roger doesn't need to play better," said the Brazilian. "Sometimes he's playing enough. He just needs to play better in the crucial points and win those important points.

"The last matches where he's been playing Nadal, he's been having opportunities, but just not managed to win the match. So I don't think it's a matter of playing better.

"I think he has enough of strength and a game to win. But once he plays finals, it's a lot of things together. Maybe if he does these things a little bit better, he can manage to win, even here."