Rafael Nadal wants Roger Federer to win

Clay time: Rafael Nadal was surprisingly beaten by Robin Soderling

13 April 2012

Rafael Nadal has claimed he would rather see Roger Federer take his French Open title than watch Andy Murray win the first Grand Slam of his career.

Four-time winner Nadal lost to Robin Soderling yesterday to end a 31-match winning streak at Roland Garros and leave No3 seed Murray as the highest-ranked player in the top half of the draw after his straight sets win over Marin Cilic.

The Spaniard has beaten Federer in three successive finals and believes his long-time rival, who faces Tommy Haas today for a place in the last eight, finally deserves to lift the tournament.

When asked who he now wants to win, Nadal said: "It would be great if Federer won it. If one guy deserves it, that is him."

Nadal remained philosophical after his 6-2, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 defeat and added: "It is always tough losing but I have to keep going."