Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will go toe-to-toe for the 57th time in their careers at the Italian Open final this afternoon looking to build momentum ahead of the French Open. World No 3 Nadal will head into the tie as the slight favourite given his prowess on the red dirt.
Djokovic was forced to complete two matches on Saturday so he may also have less energy than the Spaniard.
However, he is hoping the adrenaline of taking on his biggest foe will push him over the line.
“It’s great to play him again in the final,” Djokovic said.
“He’s the guy that I have encountered the most in my career. Definitely my biggest rival of all time.
“Playing him on clay in the finals of one of the biggest tournaments in the world is always extra motivating for me.
“Even after all we have been through in our careers, there’s still this excitement when we have to face each other.”
Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic LIVE (4pm start)
Rafael Nadal 0-0 Novak Djokovic
Round 1 – £10,500
Round 2 – £15,500
Round 3 – £24,500
Quarter-finals – £39,000
Semi-finals – £71,500
Runner-up – £126,000
Winner – £213,000
