Wimbledon fans get the men's final they favor

WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - The semifinal challengers didn't pose much of a threat, and Wimbledon got the men's final most tennis fans have been rooting for since the draw was announced: No. 1 Roger Federer vs. No. 2 Rafael Nadal.

The Swiss maestro in a cardigan sweater vs. the swashbuckling Spaniard in a muscle shirt and headband.

It is the third consecutive Wimbledon final between the rivals, with much at stake for both players.

Federer hopes to become the first player since the 1880s to win six Wimbledons in a row, and a victory would give him 13 Grand Slam titles -- one shy of Pete Sampras' record. Nadal, who pushed Federer to five sets in last year's final, is aiming to become the first man since Bjorn Borg to win the French Open and Wimbledon back to back.

Nadal is 11-6 against Federer and 3-0 against him in French Open finals, but Federer is 2-0 against Nadal in Wimbledon finals. Neither has been able to knock the other one off on his favorite surface.

John McEnroe, calling the match for NBC, said there is "huge pressure" on Federer. "If he loses this match, it could quite possibly be the end of his reign as No. 1," McEnroe said. "Not next week, but by the end of the year. There's a lot on the line for him."

Federer has been atop the rankings for 231 weeks, but he seemed to have lost his aura of invincibility heading into this tournament. He has won only one minor tournament this season and has lost to Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish, Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Radek Stepanek. He suffered a humiliating defeat to Nadal in the French Open finals, winning only four games.

But ever since he put on his gold-crested herringbone sweater and stepped on the lawn of the All England Club, he has looked like the Federer of old. He has yet to lose a set. He faced only two break points in Friday's semifinal against former No. 1 Marat Safin, and both times he got out of the jams with serves to the Russian's body. Safin played some nice points, but Federer was never really in danger during the 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 match.

"It was perfect conditions," Federer said. "I'm always very relaxed, so today was no different. It was easy in terms of being able to control a really dangerous player who's got the potential to upset anyone. It was a perfect match for me."

Truth is, Federer hasn't been tested much the entire tournament.

Things are about to get much more difficult for the five-time reigning champion. Nadal's game has evolved on grass, and he has proven he is not just a clay specialist. He beat 94th-ranked Rainer Schuettler 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 on Friday.

Two years ago, Nadal lost in four sets. Last year, he lost in five.

"I lost the last two times," Nadal said, "and this year I'm going to try my best to win. If I win, my career is changing a little bit more, no?"

Absolutely.

Federer said it doesn't bother him that he's not the overwhelming favorite."I don't know if Rafa's going to win," he said, "but if it happens, it's definitely going to be an interesting final."