Gustavo Kuerten v Alex Corretja

Gustavo Kuerten cuts a humble figure when he talks of being flattered by the prospect of joining Ivan Lendl as a three-time winner of the Roland Garros crown.

But the Brazilian has emerged as potentially one of the clay court greats, and will significantly enhance that position if he were to beat Alex Corretja.

After wobbling on the middle Sunday, when he needed to save match point in the third set against qualifier Michael Russell, Guga has grown in assurance.

Atrritional contest

He said his victory in the semi-final against Juan Carlos Ferrero was close to perfection for him - this is why he is firm favourite to overcome Corretja's doughty qualities.

The Spaniard will make Kuerten fight for every point and it promises to be an attritional contest.

Corretja was runner-up here three years ago, and only if he can wear the defending champion down does he stand a chance of avoiding that fate again this time.

I believe Kuerten will have too much flair for that and that the Brazilian will claim a third Roland Garros title.

Prediction: Kuerten to claim the title in four long sets.