Following his 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 victory over Fabio Fognini in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia quarterfinals on Friday, Rafael Nadal was asked if he misses playing against Novak Djokovic. After all, they have not faced each other since the 2017 Madrid Masters. That is a drought of 370 days–their longest since the rivalry began at the 2006 French Open.
But Nadal, who trails the head-to-head series 26-24, was not exactly hoping to add another chapter to it on Saturday in Rome.
“Being honest, it’s better to not play him,” Nadal answered. “He’s one of the best players of history, no doubt about it. No. I am not this kind of stupid guys that says, ‘No, I want to play (against him).’ No, no.
“When I have to play (against him), I play and [I’m going to] try my best to win as I did all my career. But, of course, you prefer easier opponents than a great player like Novak.”
At the same time, however, Nadal recognizes the opportunity that showdown No. 51 brings.
“Of course, on the other hand, when you play some matches like I played against him in our career, you are happy to be part of that kind of matches and you appreciate it a lot,” the top seed added. “Tomorrow is another opportunity to play another good match against a great opponent, and I need to be ready to play my best. And I believe that I can do it. And I hope to do it.”
Djokovic, too, has belief despite starting at what he called “the ultimate challenge.”
“Tomorrow is going to be the ultimate challenge on clay,” the 18th-ranked Serb said after beating Kei Nishikori 2-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the Rome quarters. “You know, beating Rafa is a really difficult thing to do on this surface. But, I’ve done it before. Obviously, I’m a different player today than I was in the time I was winning against him on clay, but I believe in myself. I will go out on the court trying to win. I mean, that’s for sure. I know he’s in great form. But, look, anything is possible.”
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