Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal play an intriguing quarterfinal in Rome. Rafa was full of confidence after a convincing season on clay and his tennis is improving by the day. On the other side, the world no.1 didn’t look at his very best in the previous match against Bellucci when he was bagelled (6-0) in the opening set.

Eventually (and once again), it was Novak to win the match against Rafa 7-5 7-6 (4) after an engaging 2 hours and 24 minutes’ battle. Nadal has a lot to think about his performance after this defeat as he squandered a 1 “break-up lead” in both sets, and he wasted five sets points in the second set on his serve.

.@DjokerNole‘s crazy happiness after this QF tough match ! #ibi16 #tennis #Djokovic pic.twitter.com/LE3zVMaSLv

— Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) May 13, 2016

Djokovic. Nadal is the ultimate challenge

Nole commented “Winning against Nadal is the ultimate challenge on clay courts and one of the toughest challenges we have in sport. I have to be very pleased with the way I handled myself in the big moments today. I won against one of my biggest rivals on his preferred surface. We must not forget he’s in form. He won Monte-Carlo and Barcelona and has played well the past couple of weeks. That gives me confidence for the rest of this tournament.”

The semi vs. Nishikori

Nole will play the semifinal against Kei Nishikori that has defeated Thiem 6-3 7-5 in the quarters. The head to head is 8-2 for Djokovic that has defeated the Japanese last week in Madrid. 

THE DRAW