It is the second year in succession Federer, 25, has lost to the Spanish king of clay in the Parisian showpiece.

The Swiss is confident his time will arrive at Roland Garros, even though Nadal promises to be around for years to come.

“I know I can win here,” said Federer. Who has won 10 grand-slam titles.

“I need to keep on working. I don’t think Rafael is going to play the next 10 finals. I know I can beat him on any surface, any tournament.

“I don’t think my window is getting smaller. I’m still confident I can win here. If I eventually get it, the sweeter it is going to taste.

“I’ll be back next year and I’ll try to do better. But I know it’s not easy to win this tournament – that’s why I haven’t won it so far.”

Nadal becomes the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1980 to win at Roland Garros three years running.

He is yet to be defeated here since making his debut at the tournament in 2005, and there were no signs this year that anyone was getting anywhere close to him.

He only lost one set on his run to the title, and that was in the final to Federer.

Many facets of his game, including his high, looping forehand and second-to-none court coverage, make him almost impenetrable.

But the Spaniard is amazed at how well he has fared this tournament.

“Winning this title three times in a row is not something unfeasible, because I have done it,” he said. But it’s almost impossible. In my mind, it seemed too big but I’ve played at a high level for six, seven weeks to achieve it.

“So it couldn’t be better and I am happy with my game and my season. This is my best season on clay.”