Match of the day: R. Federer (No2) – P.H. Mathieu (No32)

Roger Federer

VS.

Paul-Henri Mathieu

BACKGROUND
Rattled by Jose Acasuso in their second-round tie, Roger Federer finally squeezed past the unseeded Argentinean in four sets. He is clearly the favourite here, but will need to bring his A-game if he wants to progress and keep his dream of winning the only Grand Slam title he has never captured alive.	Paul-Henri Mathieu loves Roland Garros, even if he has always been stopped in his tracks fairly early on. The 27-year-old has reached the Round of 16 on just two occasions; in 2002 and 2008. He has taken a full part in some spectacular matches too, against the likes of Andre Agassi, Guillermo Canas and, of course, Rafael Nadal. Their epic duel in 2006 lasted over four hours and remains etched in everyone’s memories, but the common thread in all those matches is that PHM came out a loser. Can he really pull off the biggest upset of his career?
CURRENT FORM
Roger Federer came to Paris brimming with confidence, boosted by his recent victory over bête noir Rafael Nadal in Madrid. Although his encounter with Jose Acasuso sowed a few doubts about his game, everything still points to a victory for the father-to-be.	The No32 seed comes into this third round encounter in great shape. He won both his first and second round matches in straight sets, which bodes well for the home-grown hero.
STRENGTHS
The second seed’s talent is immense, even if his serve is less effective on clay than it is on other surfaces. But with his formidable forehand, impeccable backhand and stunning drop shots, he possesses a true arsenal of weapons with which to see off his opponents.	Paul-Henri Mathieu always gives it his all. A strong physical presence on court with an excellent return of service, PHM is powerful at the baseline, and his backhand is without a doubt his most reliable tool.
TACTICS
Roger Federer is a greater natural talent than the Frenchman, so the outcome is entirely in the former No1’s hands. Playing at his best level, the Swiss maestro can overcome his weaker opponent by varying his shots and making good use of his sliced backhand.	Mathieu plans to use his epic duel against reigning champion Nadal in 2006 as inspiration for Saturday’s match, although this time he promises to “try and get a different result.” PHM will need a rock-hard mental attitude to get through, and will rely on his fans for much-needed support. His aim is clear: hit hard and try to catch Federer out on his backhand.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The two men have faced each other on two previous occasions. Roger has beaten the Frenchman every time, without even dropping a set.	Their only match on clay was in Rome in 2003, where PHM lost 6-3 7-5.