"If I would have won today - again, same thing happened last year - I would have had not many other goals to chase in my career," Federer said after failing to capture a career slam against Rafa in a Roland Garros final for the second consecutive season.

"Like this, it always stays open. And eventually, if I get it, the sweeter it's going to taste."

Federer, who has won four consecutive Wimbledon titles to go along with three US Open crowns and three Australian Open victories, has lost to the 21-year-old Nadal the last three years in Paris, falling to the Spaniard in the semi-finals two years ago.

The world number one said that his confidence of achieving the historic collection of major trophies had only increased from his experience at Roland Garros, however.

"Hopefully, I'll give myself more and more opportunities, over and over again. I know I can do it now, that's for sure."

"After playing three very good French Opens, you know, the last three years, Rafa came along and took them all. So it's kind of Rafa and me."

The Swiss compared his repeated losses against Nadal to Andy Roddick's struggles against Federer at Wimbledon.

"I did the same thing to Roddick in Wimbledon, and that's just how it goes. Sometimes you collide and that's what happens."

"I'm right in my prime today, I feel," added Federer.

"So I feel my [chance to] win is definitely not getting smaller. I think with experience and my mental fitness, I think, not that the best years are ahead, but I think like the next few years I'll have a good shot in any tournament I'm playing."

"And the French Open has been very good to me the last few years. And I'm confident that I can win here."

Federer was the first man to take a set off of Nadal the entire tournament, losing 6-3 4-6 6-3 6-4 in a hard-fought final where unforced errors and an inability to break cost the top seed greatly.

"I couldn't really impose my game like I wanted to and tried to make the game happen with my forehand," Federer said. "He didn't allow me to do that too well today. So, credit to him."

As for the 16 missed break chances, the Swiss again attributed his difficulties to Nadal's strong play.

"You always have to look at your opposition, and Rafael is tough on break points," Federer said. "He's the toughest guy on clay."

The Swiss acknowledged an initial disappointment immediately after the loss, but said that the sting would be short-lived.

"I don't know how I felt last year, but I think I was disappointed for five minutes. Same today," the 25-year-old said.

"Came back in the locker room, was down and disappointed, and not much to say right then. The worst is when the whole team comes up and goes, 'I'm proud of you, you did a good job. Bad luck.'"

"But that's okay. I played another final of the Grand Slam. I'm on an incredible run yet again. So disappointment goes away after a short time."

"I'm an experienced guy. That's not going to kill me, so it's okay."

Jeremy Stahl in Paris