ATP Madrid Sunday Preview

Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic defeated Thomaz Bellucci on Saturday, and will now meet Rafael Nadal in the final of the Mutua Madrid Open.
Novak Djokovic recovered from a set down against plucky underdog Thomaz Bellucci in the semi-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open, and remains unbeaten for 2011. The Serb clinched a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory against Bellucci and is now set to face Rafael Nadal in the final. Nadal has won his last 37 clay-court matches, and only one compeitor can maintain their unbeaten streak here.

“It’s great for the crowds, it’s great for the tournament, and for us in the end because every time it’s a big challenge and we both look forward to it,” remarked Djokovic after Saturday’s match. “We are competing a lot in the last couple of months and we’ve had some really good matches, especially the ones in the United States recently. Of course I am motivated to win against anybody, especially against Rafa because it’s the ultimate challenge on clay courts,” continued Djokovic.

“You want to step in and give your best and you want to try to win. He’s an incredible player, an incredible competitor and he’s been winning on clay courts so much over the past couple of years. I know that but I need to believe I need to step on to the court and try to win.”

Rafael Nadal has earned a place in the final of the Mutua Madrid Open by beating Roger Federer in three sets.
Roger Federer made a bright start to his semi-final contest against Rafael Nadal on Saturday, but was ultimately unable to prevent the Spaniard from storming to a 5-7, 6-1, 6-3 victory. Nadal has now gone 37 straight matches unbeaten on clay, and will face Novak Djokovic for the title on Sunday. Djokovic hasn’t lost a match this season, and also has a streak of his own to maintain.
Following the match, Nadal said, “I don’t think it was our best match for either of us, I think we both made some errors, more than usual.”

“The difference between the good players and the best ones is that when you play badly you win; that is what the best players do. I think that at moments Roger played very aggressive and great tennis and in other moments he had more mistakes than usual”, continued Nadal.
“So the match was a little bit up and down, but for sure it’s always a special match against each other. It’s a pleasure to play against him, is always an honour.”

Nadal is now one win away from a third Madrid Open title, but will need to win yet another challenging match.