Roger Federer: It’s a Gift That I Get to Play Rafa Now [Video]

After his thrilling four-set win last night over Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer says he’s looking forward to playing his friend and rival Rafael Nadal in the Sunday final.

“It always seems to me that Rafa needs to be in a French Open final to make it special, and I got the match I guess I was hoping for,” Federer said after the 3-hour, 39-minute win over Djokovic. “After beating Novak, it’s in a way a gift that I get the chance, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Federer had lost to Djokovic all three times this year and in the last two Grand Slam semifinals. So it was quite a win for Roger especially with the way Djokovic was playing.

Many had picked Djokovic and Nadal to meet in the final, but Federer reminded all us that we should never count him out, even tomorrow.

“I said it earlier, I wasn’t here to spoil the party,” Federer said. “I mean, just trying to put in a good match and trying to get to the French Open finals, which I’m now obviously happy I’m able to. But almost feels somewhat like I’ve won the tournament, which is not the case, you know. Silverware is still out there to be won, and I’m looking forward to the match with Rafa.”

Federer lost to Rafa twice this year in Miami (bad match) and Madrid in three sets.