Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal (Photo : Getty Images)
An epic rivalry will be renewed when world No. 1 Novak Djokovic faces Rafael Nadal in the semifinal round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Djokovic will meet Nadal for the second time this season in the final four stage of the first ATP World Tour event of the year after the 28-year-old managed to squeeze past France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinal round for a 7-6(2) 7-6(2) win.
Djokovic, who looks for a record fifth Indian Wells title, leads Nadal by 24-23 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head matchup and has won all of their last five meetings, including the final round in Doha earlier this year, where the Serb crushed the Spaniard 6-1 6-2.
Ever since Roland Garros in 2014, Nadal has not won a match against Djokovic. Their semifinal clash in Indian Wells will be their fourth meeting at the tournament, with Djoker leading 2-1 after winning 2008 semifinal clash and 2011 final round battle.
Djokovic is well aware of Nadal's capability to win big matches, but the Serb believes he has the "mental advantage" over the King of Clay, who has been struggling to find his form this season.
"He's a great competitor, a great fighter," Djokovic said, reports the ATP's official website. "He's been getting himself out of trouble a few times this week and showing why he's one of the best players in the history of the game."
"I won the past couple of times we played against each other, so maybe that can give me a slight mental advantage coming into the court."
Nadal, on the other hand, advanced into the semifinal after displaying a masterful performance against Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-3. The 29-year-old Spaniard, a three-time former champion, is touted as the underdog against Djokovic, but the world No. 5 is optimistic about his chances to take down the tournament's top seed.
"I know Novak is playing unbelievable, so it's so difficult," Nadal said, reports the Los Angeles Times. "But I am here to keep enjoying, keep trying my best, and keep playing with the right energy."
Watch Indian Wells 2016 Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic semifinal round live via ATP's official website.
