Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic: Sky Sports pundit makes big Italian Open prediction
RAFAEL NADAL will be under pressure when he faces Novak Djokovic in the semi-final of the Italian Open this afternoon, claims former British No 1 Annabel Croft.
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Nadal faces Djokovic in Rome for the first time in over a year.
The last time the legendary duo went head to head, Spaniard Nadal triumphed 6-2, 6-4 in Madrid.
But Djokovic, who has had a string of injuries since, had won the seven previous to that clash.
Rafael Nadal is favourite heading into this afternoon’s clash on his favoured clay surface, but Croft is expecting a closer match than many anticipate.
I have a feeling the pressure is really going to be on Rafa today and maybe this might be a little bit closer than we expect
“He said himself that he believes in himself,” Croft said of Novak Djokovic on Sky Sports on Saturday.
“He admitted in the press conference that ‘clear I’m not the same player or the same person I was when I was challenging Rafa at my very best’ but he’s had four very good matches here.
“I think yesterday against (Kei) Nishikori was the right type of match to get him prepared for this match.
“I think he was also very proud of how he fought yesterday, mentally he was very, very strong.
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“It’s a long time since he’s put himself up against the very best in the world.
"He hasn’t played Rafa since over a year ago in Madrid where he got absolutely crunched.
“I have a feeling the pressure is really going to be on Rafa today and maybe this might be a little bit closer than we expect.”