Paris (AFP)
Rafael Nadal, who will meet Roger Federer in the semi-final of Roland Garros, 6 years after their last encounter on clay, said Tuesday that this match between two sacred watches was "really special".
"It's really a special match, we all know," said Rafael Nadal after easily leaving Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3, in the quarterfinals.
"Falling against Roger in half is obviously an extra, we shared the best moments of our careers on the court against each other," explained the world N.2
It will be the 39th meeting between the two players, the 16th on clay. For the moment Roger Federer, who released Stan Wawrinka Tuesday in four sets, won only twice on the ocher against Nadal.
The two players have not crossed over to earth for six years in the 2013 Rome final.
"It's a new episode between us, it will be a special moment for him, for me, it's always special matches," added Rafael Nadal. "I think he's going to play aggressive, change pace, go up I hope to put it in danger, or else it will be me (laughs) "
"Playing a lot of times against Novak (Djokovic), like two weeks ago in Rome (where he beat him in the final, ed), and playing against Roger in half here, are moments for which we work every day and for which we prepare ourselves as best we can, "he added.
? 2019 AFP