ANDY GETS A KICKING; GRAND SLAM HOPE FOR NO.1 BRIT: Federer writes off Murray hopes.

Byline: NEIL McLEMAN

ROGER FEDERER began the mind games at the French Open yesterday by pointedly playing down Andy Murray's chances of reaching the final.

And the new Roland Garros favourite, who survived a five-set scare yesterday, questioned whether the younger generation had the mental strength to take advantage of Rafael Nadal's exit.

With a new champion guaranteed, the British No.1 is seeded to meet Federer in Sunday's final.

Murray must first beat No.12 seed Fernando Gonzalez today to reach the last four in the half of the draw opened up by Nadal's defeat.

Murray is the only player left in the tournament who has a winning record against Federer (6-2) including four consecutive victories since losing last year's US Open final.

But Switzerland's world No.2 claimed he was more likely to face No.10 seed Nikolay Davydenko, who Murray could meet in the semis, on Sunday. It might just be wishful thinking.

"Murray isn't really the biggest individual threat now," said Federer.

"Sure, he has a good chance to make the final, but I think Davydenko has been written off a bit. He's a great player."

Federer fought back from two sets and a break point down against world No.65 Tommy Haas to win 6-7 5-7 6-4 6-0 6-2. After losing the past three finals here to Nadal, the five-time Wimbledon champion can complete a career Grand Slam and equal Pete Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slams.

Murray, who has dropped only one set in Paris, has a 1-1 record against Gonzalez, beating him in five sets in their last meeting at the 2006 US Open. "I'm playing much better than at the start of the week but I'll need to," said Murray.

WOMEN'S No.5 seed Jelena Jankovic, who needed treatment on a leg injury, lost to 19year-old Romanian Sorana Cirstea 3-6 6-0 9-7.

CAPTION(S):

NEW BALLS PLEASE Murray shows off his football skills with a bit of keepy-uppy IN WITH A SHOUT Federer played down Murray's chances of glory