Energized and Undefeated Nadal Eager for Djokovic Challenge

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Energized and Undefeated Nadal Eager for Djokovic Challenge

Rafael Nadal has earned three consecutive wins at the World Tour Finals this week and his form has inspired many to believe he could be on the verge of making his long awaited return to elite form.

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But Nadal’s next challenge could say more about the Spaniard’s form than the previous three.

Nadal will face Novak Djokovic in the semifinals on Saturday, and while he holds the 23-22 lifetime edge over the Serb he has dropped all three encounters with him this year without winning a set.

"Against Novak, I know what I have to do,” Nadal said after his three-set victory over David Ferrer in London today. “But [it will] be very difficult to make it. Is a big challenge. But I am not worried about it. I am happy about the things, how are going.”

Nadal isn’t planning any surprises for Saturday. He told reporters he just wants to play his game and be mentally tough.

“I cannot go on the court and thinking that I have to do something that I cannot do. I am going to try to play my game. I am going to try to play aggressive. I am going to try to be strong mentally."

He added: "For me the main thing is keep going the same way, keep practicing the same way, the same things I am doing to try to start next year with that energy that I have today. If I am able to keep playing like this, I think next year can be a positive year for me.”

No matter the result, Nadal’s form this week is clearly a step in the right direction. He avenged a blowout loss in Madrid to Andy Murray with a win on Wednesday, notching consecutive top-5 wins for the first time this season.

“It is just the beginning,” Nadal said after the win. “I need to keep working so hard to try to keep going the same way. Not everything going to be like this. As I said the other day, when you come back from a period like I had, is like this. But the line is very positive, no? So happy for that. And obviously is an important victory for me and important day.”

Djokovic will be next, but win or lose, Nadal is confident that he’s moving in the right direction with his game and his fortitude, and he’ll head into the off-season with a lot more momentum than he’s had all season.

"But the right work is done,” he said. “Lot of positive things during the last weeks. Very good confirmation this week. So tomorrow is another opportunity to compete against the best, to see if I am able to compete at a very high level again."

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