Only one hot topic in the players' locker room

PARIS: As the dust settled on four-time champion Rafael Nadal's shock exit, the locker room chatter was all about Roger Federer's chances of winning an elusive French Open title now that his nemesis was out of the way.

The Swiss, whose chances of completing a career grand slam was dashed by Nadal in each of the last three finals, has now found himself installed as the hot favorite for the crown.

Whether they had won or lost their own matches, the players shared their opinions on what the previous day's upset meant for the world No 2's pursuit of a record-equalling 14th Grand Slam title.