Paris Masters: Rafael Nadal focuses on his quarters clash
What's the story
19-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is focusing on his upcoming quarter-final clash at the Paris Masters against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Nadal is wary about the threat Tsonga will provide. The senior tennis ace booked his place in the quarters after overcoming Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-4 in straight sets. Here is what Nadal had to say ahead of his clash.
Nadal
Nadal books seventh ATP Masters 1000 Paris quarter-final
The victory over Wawrinka saw Nadal make his seventh ATP Masters 1000 Paris quarter-final. The Spaniard now leads 19-3 in career head-to-head tally. This was also his sixth successive victory against the Swiss, dating back to the 2015 ATP Finals. Nadal also notched his 11th 50-win season with the straight-sets victory. He is now focusing on another massive challenge ahead.
Focus
I need to be focused with myself, says Nadal
"I have a match against a player that is playing well, already won three great matches. So will be a very tough one," said Nadal to Tennis World USA. Nadal added that he needs to be focused with himself. "I need to play my best. I need to be focused with myself. I need to play aggressive from the baseline."
Tsonga
These matches make you improve: Tsonga on Nadal
Tsonga powered his way into the quarters after a three-set win over Jan-Lennard Struff. The Frenchman won the match 2-6, 6-4, 7-6. He said matches against Nadal make players improve. "These matches make you improve. When you play the best, it's always beneficial and it's not important whether you win or lose." He also said it's better to face Nadal now.
Quote
'Of course it's better for me to meet Rafa now'
"If you play Rafa in the quarterfinals, it's normal. That's part and parcel of the unrolling of a tournament. Of course it's better for me to meet Rafa in the quarters after having played a few matches rather than during the first round," he said.
Quarters draw
Djokovic set to take on Tsitsipas in the quarters
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic is set to take on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarters. The match is scheduled for a 7:50 PM IST start. Grigor Dimitrov will be up against Christian Garin on Friday. Nadal will meet Tsonga in the quarters at 1:20 AM IST. The other quarters will be between Denis Shapovalov and Gael Monfils.