Rafael Nadal makes Marco Cecchinato admission after Novak Djokovic French Open win
RAFAEL NADAL has congratulated Marco Cecchinato for reaching the French Open semi-finals.
French Open: Nadal says Marco Cecchinato has been impressive
Cecchinato had never won a Grand Slam match before this Roland Garros campaign but he is now one win away from the final.
The unseeded Italian knocked out Novak Djokovic in the quarter-finals, following up earlier victories against David Goffin and Pablo Carreno Busta.
Cecchinato takes on Dominic Thiem on Court Philippe-Chatrier at lunchtime today, which is followed by Nadal’s tie with Juan Martin del Potro.
Nadal could potentially meet Cecchinato in the final on Sunday - and he has congratulated the world No 72 for his tournament so far.
He has a great level of tennis. He's playing amazing event winning against fantastic opponents
“He's playing great,” Nadal said.
“He has a great level of tennis. He's playing amazing event winning against fantastic opponents.
“Yeah, the other day he hold amazing well the pressure on the last tiebreak playing some great points. And he's playing fantastic, so well done for him.”
Nadal is looking to win his 11th French Open title this weekend but he acknowledges he is in for a difficult match against Del Potro.
“Del Potro has achieved great victories this year,” Nadal added.
“He has fantastic potential. They are both good servers, aggressive game from the end of the court, the baseline.
“And I have to play aggressively. If I play defensively and I don't take intensity, I will be lost.”