ATP Rome Sunday Preview

Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal is set to face Novak Djokovic in the final of this year’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia. This season’s Internazionali BNL d’Italia will reach its climax with the world No. 1 and world No. 2 facing off on Sunday.

Rafael Nadal has made steady progress through this competition, and worked his way into the final with a 7-5, 6-1 win against sixteenth seed Richard Gasquet. Many pundits still have Nadal marked as the favourite, though he’ll need to be at his best against Djokovic, who still hasn’t lost a match this season. Djokovic emerged from an exhilarating semi-final against Andy Murray on Saturday, and is refusing to let anyone beat him right now. Despite being broken two times late in the third set, the Serb maintained his unbeaten streak by breaking back twice and clinching a 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(2) victory.

But Djokovic, who had some struggles with his right calf as the match went on, played better in key moments, especially in tie-break and continued his wining strike. "Obviously I’m a bit exhausted after this match but I’m going to do my best to recover for tomorrow. It’s another final and I will just go out on the court and try to play my best", said Djokovic after the match.

Djokovic recorded his first clay court win against Nadal in last week’s Mutua Madrid Open, but still has a 10-16 record against him. Nadal would usually be considered to have the edge ahead of this contest, but Djokovic on current form seems to be capable of beating anyone. This should be an incredible matchup.