Rafael Nadal reiterates Roger Federer problem at Wimbledon
RAFAEL NADAL has reiterated his desire to avoid facing Roger Federer in the final of Wimbledon.
Federer kick-started play on Centre Court with a dominating win against Adrian Mannarino.
Nadal then followed it up with a straight-sets victory of his own at the expense of Jiri Versley.
The pair are in opposite halves of the draw so could meet for a repeat of the 2008 final at the weekend.
But Nadal would rather play an easier opponent – although he says he would be “excited” if it was the Swiss star.
“If he's in the final, I am excited to play Roger,” Nadal said.
“I am not saying I am not excited to play against Roger in the final.
“I am excited. It will be a good result for me. Facing Roger again will be something fantastic.
“If you ask me if I prefer another one, I say yes. That's the point. It's about being smart, no?
“The overall goal is to try to win the tournament. Depends against who you play you have less or more chances to win. That's the thing.
“I can be here, I can't come here and say, No, of course I want to play against the best players. I am not this kind of person.”
Nadal progressed to the quarter-finals for the first time in seven years with his recent result.
The Spaniard is looking to win Wimbledon for only the third time in his career.