On the surface, the clay surface that is, world's No. 1 Novak Djokovic seemingly breezed past nemesis and No. 5 Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Rolex Masters on Saturday.
But the King of Clay may have found some much-needed confidence, which could spell big trouble for Djokovic's hopes of completing the career Grand Slam at next month's French Open.
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Atpworldtour.com reported that Nadal, currently the world's No. 5 player but the defending and nine-time French Open champion was more than encouraged by his play this week in Monaco.
"For me, is a very positive week. The most positive week of the season, without any doubt," said Nadal, according to atpworldtour.com. "I think, if I am able to keep doing that in the next tournament in Barcelona, and I have a tough draw, I will say that I am very well again.
"The way that I played yesterday and for moments today is the way that I want to play. Just with more matches playing like this, I will be confident enough to play. That level will not be the exception; it will be the normal thing. That is the thing that I need to make happen."
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Djokovic who ended Nadal's eight-year reign in Monte Carlo in 2013, also is looking for confidence. He has won 16 straight matches as he enters the finals against Tomas Berdych.
He knows that Roland Garros still goes through Nadal, who has won there five consecutive tournaments and nine times in 10 years.
Any straight-sets win over Nadal in any match on clay will do that, but given that Nadal certainly isn't in peak form, and the confidence may be overstated.
"We cannot forget that I got injured last year for six months," Nadal said. "So for six months, I didn't play one match of intensity, because when I came back I played two tournaments (in 2014). It is difficult to have a feeling after that. Then Basel, having that appendicitis. ... So there were six months without playing that kind of (high) level matches."
"In general, from where I came one week ago, two weeks ago, after what happened in Miami, I go to the next tournament with the feeling that I made a big improvement in my game, in my mental part. I hope this tournament is a key moment for my season."
Nadal's assessment should keep Djokovic from getting overconfident heading into the French Open.
Who should be the favorite at next month's French Open - Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal? Comment below or tell us @SportsWN.
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