Rafael Nadal: Kei Nishikori reveals why Spaniard is favourite to win Monte Carlo Masters
KEI NISHIKORI has revealed why Rafael Nadal is so successful at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Nadal is the favourite to win his 12th title in Monaco this week and he gets his campaign underway against Roberto Bautista Agut tomorrow.
Nishikori was the unfortunate victim in last year’s final as he fell to a 6-3, 6-2 defeat.
The Japanese ace took plenty of positives from his run, where he beat Alexander Zverev and Marin Cilic.
But he fears Nadal will be too strong for the rest of the field again this year.
“Rafa is the best player on clay of course,” Nishikori said.
“But I think this surface is a little bit slower and you have a little more time.
“His spin is going to be really heavy on this surface and I think it suits his game a lot.
“It is not easy to beat Rafa on clay of course.”
Nishikori will open his 2019 Monte Carlo campaign against the winner of Fernando Verdasco vs Pierre-Hugues Herbert.
And he has fond memories of competing on the red dirt in Monaco.
“I have a good memory from here,” Nishikori added.
“I played the final last year and lost to Rafa.
“But it was a good memory, especially after coming back from injury, and it gave me good confidence.
“I love playing this tournament.”
Nishikori has been drawn in the same half of the draw as Nadal so they could meet in the semi-finals.