PARIS: Robin Soderling will be praying for rain when he faces Roger Federer for the French Open title on Sunday.

The Swede, playing in his first Grand Slam final after a sensational run through the Roland Garros tournament which has seen him defeat four-time champion Rafael Nadal, is the underdog against the 13-time major winner.

But the 24-year-old believes that playing free of pressure, as well as under the dark, chilly skies which descended upon Paris on Saturday, could work in his favour.

"Normally I like to play in slower conditions. I think I've played my best claycourt matches when it's been a little bit colder and a little bit rainy. Hopefully it will be good for me," said the 23rd seed.

Soderling insists the pressure is all on Federer, the sentimental favourite to finally win a French Open and complete a career Grand Slam.

"I don't feel much pressure at all," said the Swede. "Of course I want to win, but I always want to win tennis matches.

"I try to see it as a normal match. I have played so many matches on the tour so I try to see it just like any other match."