[anderriter]

Bizarre....before this tournament, you'd have thought Soderling would say his favorite surface was fast indoor court.

Underdog prays for rain against Federer

Robin Soderling will be praying for rain when he faces Roger Federer for the French Open title on Sunday.

The Swede, playing in his first Grand Slam final after a sensational run through the Roland Garros tournament which has seen him defeat four-time champion Rafael Nadal, is the underdog against the 13-time major winner.

But the 24-year-old believes that playing free of pressure, as well as under the dark, chilly skies which descended upon Paris on Saturday, could work in his favour.

"Normally I like to play in slower conditions. I think I've played my best claycourt matches when it's been a little bit colder and a little bit rainy. Hopefully it will be good for me," said the 23rd seed.

Soderling insists the pressure is all on Federer, the sentimental favourite to finally win a French Open and complete a career Grand Slam.

"I don't feel much pressure at all," said the Swede. "Of course I want to win, but I always want to win tennis matches.

"I try to see it as a normal match. I have played so many matches on the tour so I try to see it just like any other match." http://news.brisbanetimes.com.au/bre...0607-bzfl.html