Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer at the French Open: Set 3 to Nadal, 6-3

It's set three and I get the feeling that both players are still feeling a lot of pressure at a time in the match when the pressure of playing the match normally has wilted away. There are no yells of "Vamos!" from Nadal; not many fist pumps from Federer.

Federer came to net 17 times in the second set compared with six in the first. As far back as Nadal stands to return Federer;s serve, Roger could stand to come in even more. A Nadal forehend winner gives him double-break point at 15-40.

Nadal gets the break as Federer plays his worst service game. While Nadal is content to stand eight to 10 feet behind the baseline and play defense until he gets a relatively short shot, Federer must force the action. And when he does, Federer must hit deep approach shots or he gives Nadal time to hit passing shots.

At 3-0 Nadal, it appears that Raffa allows Federer to hold his serve, which may not be the best thing to do. Any lapse in concentration in a match like this can swing the momentum in favor of the opponent in a flash. However, it appears that Federer is the player who has the more difficult time keeping it together as he misses toe easy returns. Just as quickly, though, he comes back with a nice forehand winner to even the game at 30-all. Nadal crushes a forehand to get the game to 40-30.

Again, at 4-1 Nadal plays a loose game on Federer's serve. Additionally Nadal's first serve percentage is dipping rapidly. But Roger dumps two forehands in the net to allow Raffa to get to 30-15 on his serve. A third missed forehand give Nadal two game points. Federer screams at himself, then promptly hits another wild forehand to give Nadal the game; 5-2 Nadal. I wouldn't put it past Nadal to really concentrate this game and try to break Federer's serve - which might just break the world number one's spirit.Federer tries to serve-and-volley on a weak serve and pays - set point, but plays poorly and the score is deuce. Raffa is still not himself; it's just that Federer is even less himself. Both players are battling their minds and since this is Nadal's favorite surface, he has the advantage. Federer holds, though, and it's 5-3 Nadal with Raffa serving for the set.

Nadal easily holds to win the third set 6-3 and take a two sets to one lead over Federer. The question here is, does Federer have the time to alter his game enough to take advantage of Nadal's weaknesses, or is it too late?

We'll see.