Rafael Nadal: Huge Roger Federer claim made by Fabio Fognini's father
RAFAEL NADAL is still a better tennis player than Roger Federer, according to the father of Fabio Fognini.
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The Spaniard currently sits behind his long-time rival in the ATP rankings after crashing out of the Madrid Open to Dominic Thiem earlier this month.
Nadal has returned to form quickly, however, cruising through to the final of the Italian Open in Rome this week.
The 31-year-old beat Fognini on Friday to secure a clash with Novak Djokovic in the last eight.
And the Italian's father believes Nadal is still the man to beat in world tennis.
"In order to beat him, you have to shoot him," said Fognini Snr.
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Fabio didn't lose to a champion, but to the champion, because I think Rafa is still above (Roger) Federer.
"Fabio didn't lose to a champion, but to the champion, because I think Rafa is still above (Roger) Federer.
"Now I will get criticism.
"Or you make winners or you lose the point, it makes you.
"Today it was almost impossible, Rafa is Rafa."
Nadal beat Djokovic in straight sets on Saturday and will face either Alexander Zverev or Marin Cilic in the final tomorrow afternoon.
The Spaniard will be hoping to re-find his winning form ahead of the French Open later this month.
As for Federer, the world No 1 is set to return at the Stuttgart Open in June.