Rafael Nadal takes on David Ferrer at the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, in an all-Spanish final of the 2013 French Open men's singles competition.

Nadal, who enters the tie as the overwhelming favourite, will become the first player in the Open era to have won a Grand Slam eight times, if he succeeds today; 31-year-old Ferrer, on the other hand, is competing in his first Grand Slam final.

Rafael Nadal
Reuters

Where to Watch Live

The match starts at 2pm BST, with Eurosport providing live coverage in the UK. Live radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 Live, while there will be build-up and text commentary on BBC Sport.

Overview

Nadal leads his compatriot 19-4 in head-to-head records and has never lost to Ferrer on clay. The pair met in the semi finals here last year, with the seven-time champion winning 6-2, 6-2, 6-1. They also faced each other in Acapulco, Madrid and Rome this year, with Nadal emerging the winner every time.

Nadal made it to the final after winning an epic semi against Novak Djokovic on Friday in a thriller that very much deserved to be the final. The 27-year-old eventually saw off the challenge from world number one 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7 (3), 9-7 in four hours and 37 minutes. Meanwhile, Ferrer produced yet another convincing performance to win his last four tie against home-town hero Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 7-6 (3), 6-2.

Player Comparison

Both Spaniards are brilliant defensive players who never give up points easily. They are agile, aggressive, strong on clay and comfortable behind the baseline. They both have great footspeed, fitness and determination, which will all be on show today, especially during long rallies.

David Ferrer
Reuters

On the attacking side, Nadal is certainly a stronger player than Ferrer. The world number four is a good counter-puncher and possesses heavy topspin ground-strokes and fine drop-shots. He can hit the ball deep and flat and has an orthodox follow through that enables clean winners.

Ferrer can also keep the ball deep in play but is not a great net player like his compatriot. However, his greatest strength is his powerful and accurate returns: Roger Federer regards Ferrer as the best returner in the men's game.

Tournament Form

Ferrer has been sublime so far in Paris, not dropping a set on his way to the final. Nadal, on the other hand, has struggled at times, having dropped four sets in his journey to the decider.

Prediction: Nadal in four sets

ALSO READ: The women behind tennis players Nadal and Ferrer