Beaten Federer says he's still Wimbledon favourite

By Julien Pretot

PARIS (Reuters) - World number one Roger Federer said his third consecutive French Open final defeat to Rafael Nadal would not affect his hopes of a record sixth straight Wimbledon title.

The Swiss top seed was handed a 6-1 6-3 6-0 thrashing by the Spaniard, who equalled Bjorn Borg's professional era record of four successive Roland Garros victories on Sunday.

But Federer is expected to be more at ease on grass, having won the past five editions of Wimbledon, including two finals against Nadal in 2006 and 2007.

"I still definitely feel very strong about my chances and being the big favourite going into grass," said Federer, who will start his grasscourt season at the Halle tournament which begins on Monday.

"It's so far away, grass and clay, that losing in four or five (sets) or no chance like today, I don't think it has a big effect on me mentally."

Federer will beat Borg's record of five Wimbledon titles in a row if he prevails again at the All England Club next month. It would also take his grand slam victories tally to 13, one short of Pete Sampras's record.

Last year, he needed five sets to overcome Nadal in the Wimbledon final, one more than the previous year.

"Of course, defeat is difficult today. I also feel how much Rafa has progressed on clay, but we'll see in the future if he is stronger on grass or on hard surfaces," added Federer, who has not lost a match on grass since his first-round defeat at Wimbledon against Croatia's Mario Ancic in 2002.