Paris lacking atmosphere

"[The biggest difference] is that centre court in Wimbledon's always full and here, sometimes, the problem is that the VIPs, they only come for one or two matches a day," the Swiss said of Philippe Chatrier stadium.

"So that's the problem, because the VIPs take all the seats around the court, whereas at Wimbledon, there's only the Royal Box and the other seats are always taken, so from fans, not from VIPs, which makes it a great atmosphere."

"I'm not saying here is not good, but you have to hope the VIPs come as well, or the sponsors."

The top seeded Federer plays two-time defending champion Rafael Nadal in Sunday's French Open final.

Federer, who has won four consecutive Wimbledon titles but has never claimed a crown at Roland Garros, also had positive things to say about Ashe Stadium at the US Open in New York and Laver Arena at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

"I think Arthur Ashe and Rod Laver Arena both have the unique thing with the night session, obviously. It's electrifying in the night to play there."

Federer, who has won the Australian Open and the US Open three times each, said that Wimbledon's centre court where he won his first of ten grand slams in 2003 had a special significance for him.

"I love playing on all centre courts around the world. And Wimbledon was the first one that really hit me, in terms of being the nicest one ever because of the atmosphere."

Sunday's replay of last year's final, which Nadal won 1-6 6-1 6-4 7-6 (4), is the first time since 1969's final between Rod Laver and Ken Rosewall that such a Roland Garros rematch has occurred.

Rosewall took the first in 1968 while Laver won the second in 1969 before going onto complete the Grand Slam of all four majors.

Federer is attempting to become the first man since Laver to hold all four grand slam titles at the same time and said he feels less pressure this time around.

"I think it's an easier situation this year than last year, because last year was the first time I was in this unbelievable situation to be holding all four grand slam titles at the same time."

"I lived through this last year, so I think once you've experienced something, the second time around is always easier."

- Jeremy Stahl in Paris