Battle of the surfaces is only about fun, says Federer

MONTE CARLO, Apr 19 (Reuters) World number one Roger Federer expects to have fun when he meets closest rival Rafael Nadal on a hybrid clay/grass court next month in Mallorca.

The match, called the 'battle of the surfaces', will take place in Mallorca's Palma Arena on May 2.

''It's exciting. The idea was there six or nine months ago,'' Federer told a news conference following his 6-4 6-3 third round win over South Korean Lee Huyng-taik at the Monte Carlo Masters Series today.

''I said it would be fun to do something like this. It never happened before,'' added Federer, who has won the last four editions of Wimbledon.

''It might seem crazy, especially at this time of the season but we also enjoy playing tennis for fun.

''It does not always have to be serious. The result is not the most important, it's more about having fun out there.'' Federer is the undisputable king of grass, while double French Open champion Nadal is on a record 63-match winning streak on the slow clay surface.

Last year, the Spaniard beat Federer in the final of the French Open only for the dominant Swiss to claim his fourth Wimbledon crown by taming Nadal at the All England Club.

REUTERS BJR BST1857