Rafael Nadal knows Novak Djokovic is on a roll.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion also is aware that the world's No. 1 player just handed him a 6-3, 6-3 defeat in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters. Joker went on to beat Tomas Berdych in the finals to become the first ATP player to win the year's first three Masters 1000 Series events - at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.
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But Nadal, who was upbeat despite his loss to Djokovic, showed more signs that the confidence he said he was lacking during the first part of 2015 due to inactivity is returning with a rush.
While Rafa acknowledges Djokovic's dominance, the nine-time French Open champ says the Serb's chances of unseating him at Roland Garros this year are no different than in years past, according to SkySports.com.
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And for the record, Djokovic has not been able to conquer Nadal in France. It was Roger Federer who won the other French Open in the past decade.
"Djokovic was good in 2011, in 2012, 2013 as well as in 2015. Sometimes you win more and some you win less," Nadal said. "It is difficult to win everything all the time. Djokovic was as good then in 2011 as he is now. He had an impeccable year in 2011 as well as he is having in 2015."
As Nadal prepares for the Barcelona Open, he is hinting not to count him out at Roland Garros just yet.
"Tennis-wise, I feel a lot better than a few weeks ago. I am going to try to get as far as I can, and to play as well as I can, topping the level I showed in Monte Carlo."
The King of Clay also said that his focus is on Barcelona this week, which is how he is able to prepare to play his best.
"When I'm playing in Barcelona I'm not thinking about Roland Garros, the same way I'm not thinking about Rome when I'm in Madrid," Nadal said, according to AS.com, "because all these tournaments are extremely important."
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