Rafael Nadal believes he could still compete and match Novak Djokovic's level of play despite the on-court struggles befalling the Spaniard in the past two seasons.
Nadal heads into his favorite surface with renewed confidence, claiming that he could keep up with career rival Djokovic in spite of the Mallorcan's losing slump. Nadal, who has yet to win a title this season, is convinced that playing well could see him on equal terms with Djokovic's level.
"I always have hopes, I stay positive," Nadal said, reports Tennis World USA.
"He is at a higher level than the others, but years and competition make you tired, winning much too, but If I play well I think I can compete with him. The most important thing is being able to compete."
Nadal has never won against Djokovic in their last six meetings, including their most recent matchup in the semifinal round of Indian Wells. The last time Nadal had defeated Djoker was at the French Open back in 2014, which was incidentally the Spaniard's last Grand Slam win.
Nadal will attempt for a ninth title at the ATP 1000 Masters Monte Carlo next week, where he has a chance to prove he could compete at Djokovic's level. According to ESPN's Greg Garber, the Monte Carlo Masters could finally be the tournament where Nadal could win his first title of the season.
"The good news: The King of Clay is back on the dirt, where he has always enjoyed his best footing," Garber wrote.
"Rafa enters Monte Carlo without a title for the first time since 2012. Interestingly, he won Monte Carlo that year -- and the other three years (2008, 2010 and 2011) in which he entered the event winless."
However, Nadal has been struggling in his form all-season long, which could be a factor in the 29-year-old's campaign in Monaco.
At times, the 29-year-old Spaniard shows a glimpse of his old-form, the one that earned him 14 Grand Slam wins, but Nadal's inconsistency has been far more evident during his stint this season, which has seemingly robbed him of victories in important games.
Whether Nadal could truly win his first title since July last year remains to be seen, but with the tournaments heading into the clay-court, there is a chance for Rafa.