Paris : Rafael Nadal, beat Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, 6-3:
Are you more pleased the way you won all these matches in the tournament or also the fact that you are in the semifinal and have to play again Roger Federer, which is a legendary dual?
RAFAEL NADAL: Being honest, personally, for me, the main thing is being in the semifinal. The way that I have been playing have been, being honest, very positive. I have been playing well, very solid. Winning good matches against tough opponents like today. I am happy with that. Of course after having Roger in front in the semifinals is an extra thing. We shared the most important moments of our careers together on court facing each other. So is another episode of this, and happy for that and excited, no? Will be special moment, and let's try to be ready for it."
Give me a sense about whether you believe that throughout the tournament your game is constantly improving. And given that you've played Roger so many times, how do you prepare if any different than other matches in which you have played Roger before?
Read : It's Fedex vs Rafa in semis at Rolland Garros
"Probably tomorrow, just to move a little bit the body. And after tomorrow start to think about what we want to do, no? But is always a big match against him. You know, the level of tennis that you need to play always is the highest. And I am playing well, but I need to play very well against him (smiling). So I hope to be ready to make that happen. "
Andy Murray has just confirmed that he will be playing doubles at Queen's in a couple of weeks' time. what your thoughts on his return?
"Being honest for me, is a little bit surprising that he announced that, that quick. So I always thought that he will find a way to try to be back, because still young and still very passionate about the game. So I'm happy to see that he gonna play again, no? That's great news for, first, for him and for his team and family, and then for the tour by itself and then for the fans. So is good for the world of tennis."
Roger, after the end of his match today, he said one of the reasons why came on clay was to play against you. Does that inspire you?
"No, I don't believe that he did say that? No, no. He came back on clay because he's a player who is comprehensive, who plays well on all surfaces. And on clay, he has good chances of winning. One thing is that he feels physically ready. He's coming back because he wants to do so. And if he feels in good shape physically, well, he should not leave out a main part of the season. That's his main reason."
You played a lot of tennis during this tournament, and your last match certainly was taxing. Was fatigue a factor for you today?
"I mean, that's for sure I played too much hours on the court this week, last week. I mean, today, Rafa, he didn't let me play how I wanted to play, and especially if I'm not fresh, it's not easy to stay with him. But I thought he was playing, you know, good tennis. On clay court it's very tough."
Straight sets win for Rafael Nadal against Kei Nishikori this Tuesday (4 June) in Paris. The Spanish champion will face Roger Federer in the French Open semi-finals.
