Rafa: Djokovic a big challenge

London – Rafael Nadal (above) described long-time rival Novak Djokovic as “one of the more complex” players he’s met as they prepare to clash for the 52nd time today with a Wimbledon final spot at stake.

World No 1 Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion at the All England Club, 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.

The following year, Nadal downed the Serb, who was world No 1 at the time, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-7, 9-7 in the semifinals in Paris.

“It’s always a big challenge to face Novak,” said 32-year-old Nadal, who is back in the semifinals at Wimbledon for the first time since 2011 when he finished runner-up to Djokovic.

“He is one of the more complex players in our sport. You know you can’t win against him if you don’t play very well.”

Nadal is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title which would put him just two behind Roger Federer.

For his part, Djokovic is eyeing a 13th Slam after making the semifinals of a Slam for the first time since finishing runner-up at the 2016 US Open.

This time last year, few would have expected to see either man back in the last-four at the All England Club.

Nadal was knocked out in the fourth round, losing 13-11 in the final set to Luxembourg journeyman Gilles Muller.