Rafael Nadal: Kei Nishikori makes SHOCK admission ahead of Monte Carlo Masters final
KEI NISHIKORI has admitted it will be difficult to beat Rafael Nadal and win today’s Monte Carlo Masters final.
The pair clash in the showpiece event with Spaniard Nadal looking for his 11th Monte Carlo title.
Indeed, Nadal has won his last 34 sets on clay and is yet to drop a set at this year’s championship.
HOW HAVE THE PAIR MADE IT TO THE FINAL? FULL RESULTS HERE
But Nishikori has recently returned to form too.
The Japanese star had just four wins from seven matches on the ATP World Tour ahead of this week.
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He has won each of his four matches in the tournament in three sets.
But Nishikori knows he can’t give Rafael Nadal that opportunity when the pair do battle today.
"Tomorrow is a different opponent," said Nishikori.
"He's been dominating like crazy this week. I know it's going to be tough. For me, I think I'm improving every match. I feel very confident right now.
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"Rafa has been hitting very, very heavy, especially his forehand. His backhand also. He's been playing very solid this week.
“I’m sure there is a way to beat him. But, to see him this week, it looks little bit difficult."
Nishikori is on the hunt for his first Masters 1000 title after falling to Novak Djokovic in both the Miami and Toronto finals in 2016, and suffering a three-set defeat to Nadal in Madrid four years ago.
Should he win, Nishikori would become the first Asian-born player to win a Masters 1000 event.