Federer lauds great rival Nadal

Rafael Nadal will begin his campaign for an unprecedented seventh straight Monte Carlo Rolex Masters title today with the praise of his great rival Roger Federer ringing in his ears.

Federer, beaten three times in the final by the Spaniard, needed just 50 minutes to hammer Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round yesterday but admits Nadal will pose a much sterner test.