Kei Nishikori believes he can find a way to beat Rafael Nadal in Sunday's Monte Carlo Masters final, but admits that the 10-time champion looks in ominous form.
World number one Nadal eased to a 6-4 6-1 semi-final victory over Grigor Dimitrov on Saturday, while Japan's Nishikori came back from a set down to beat third seed Alexander Zverev.
Only three players have ever downed Nadal in Monte Carlo, where he has a 67-4 win-loss record.
"I'm sure there is a way to beat him. But, you know, to see him this week, it looks a little bit difficult," admitted Nishikori.
"I hope I can find, you know, the way to beat him. Yeah, especially on clay he's the king. So, yeah, I will discuss it with my coach tonight."
"I go on court, I try my best. I want to win. Doesn't matter if I am the favourite or I am not the favourite."
"When I retire, probably we will have the chance to think about it, how difficult all the things that I have done (were)."
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"Yeah, Rafa has been hitting very, very heavy, especially his forehand. Backhand also. He's been playing very solid this week."