Nadal braced for ‘complex’ Djokovic in 52nd meeting
LONDON: Rafael Nadal described long-time rival Novak Djokovic as “one of the more complex” players he’s ever met as they prepare to clash for the 52nd time on Friday with a Wimbledon final spot at stake.
Nadal won a breathless Wimbledon quarter-final against Juan Martin del Potro on Wednesday. Nadal sealed the marathon contest 7-5, 6-7(7), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 that took him into the semi-finals for the first time since 2011.
World number one Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion here, trails Djokovic, the 2011, 2014 and 2015 winner, 26-25 in a rivalry which began at Roland Garros 12 years ago. Along the way, they have fought out a series of epic battles including Djokovic’s 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5/7), 7-5 Australian Open final victory in 2012.
At five hours and 53 minutes, it was the longest final ever at a Slam. The following year, Nadal downed the Serb, who was world number one at the time, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7 in the semi-finals in Paris, this time in four hours and 37 minutes.
“It’s always a big challenge to face Novak. He is one of the more complex players that I ever saw in our sport. You know that you can’t win against him if you don’t play very well, ” said Nadal.
In another semi-final Kevin Anderson will face John Isner, who reached his first Grand Slam final beating Milos Raonic 6-7(5), 7-6(7), 6-4, 6-3.