Defeated Federer's up for French Open

ROGER FEDERER senses he is on the right track for the French Open, which starts on Sunday, despite losing 6-4, 7-6 to Rafael Nadal in the final of the Madrid Masters.

Yesterday was their first meeting since the world No1 beat the Spaniard in last year's final but Nadal's triumph extended his unbeaten run on clay to 15 matches this season.

Federer (right) said: "The clay court season will not be judged here but in Paris. I feel I'm ready for Paris. I felt a major improvement in my game compared to last week."