Fed after the 2005 FO semi-final loss to Rafa... "all in all I'm not happy with my performance, I didn't feel like he was much better than me today. I think I had the keys to beat him, and it was unfortunate I was not at my best..." Normally I'd disagree with Fed on this, but...

in general, this match was probably the best chance he had to win the French Open and complete the Calendar Year Slam. 2011 FO and 2007 FO are overrated because Rafa played better in those matches. Rafa's form was very unspectacular in this 2005 match. But even more pertinent...

is the fact that Federer made 40 (!!!) forehand unforced errors (in total, 66) and only hit 25 forehand winners (a meagre 39 in total). The match highlights reflect this. While Nadal isn't playing so well himself (23 W to 38 UFE ratio), Federer is playing worse...

...making foolish net charges, drop shot attempts and getting frustrated and unsettled by Nadal's steadiness and speed too easily. If he had taken a more aggressive approach with the forehand while maintaining the same topspin/margin he was known for in 2005...

...I have no doubt in my mind that the 2005 French Open would have possibly been his (if he didn't lose to the PED abuser in the next round). But unfortunately, Fed was missing forehands that were in the centre of the damn court. Shameful performance against baby Rafa...

...by Fed, and by far the only match Federer had the potential to win against Rafael Nadal at RG.

As I said 2011 (even if Fed converted the first set point, Rafa's form and forehand were good enough to win the next three sets) and 2007 are overrated (Rafa too mentally tough).