Djokovic: “I think I can beat Nadal, otherwise I wouldn't be here”

With certain signs of fatigue, already around 00:30 on Thursday, Novak Djokovic attended the media after winning in four sets against Italian Matteo Berrettini and qualify for the semifinals of Roland Garros, in which on Friday he will meet for 58th with Rafa Nadal (29-28 for the Serbian).

“I think I can win, otherwise I wouldn't be here. We're going to have a nice battle,” said Djokovic, confident in his chances against the “biggest rival” of his career: “I hope I can play at a higher level than last year in the first two sets of last year's final. The quality and level of tennis that I have had for three or four weeks on clay in Rome, Belgrade and here allow me to have good feelings and a positive feeling for this match“.

“There is an extra tension and expectations, some different vibrations when I go out on the track with Rafa. That is why it is a historic rivalry for the sport and I have had the privilege of playing against him many times, “he explained.

“Rafa and Roger have made me stronger”

“The rivalries with him and with Roger (Federer) have made me a stronger player, they have allowed me to understand what I needed to get to the level they were at. when I started playing, “he adds before admitting that “With Rafa, the anticipation of any match on any surface or occasion is different from any other.”