Andrey Rublev said facing Rafael Nadal on clay at the Monte Carlo Masters “will not be a pleasant experience” ahead of their quarter-final clash.The Russian defeated Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6 (7-2), 5-7, 6-3 in the third round, while Nadal dismantled Grigor Dimitrov 6-1, 6-1.
“Facing Nadal tomorrow will not be a pleasant experience. But I am looking forward to that and I want to deliver my game,” Rublev said in an interview with Eurosport.
“It has already been a good week so there will not be a lot of pressure but I will fight.”
Interviewer: How exciting is it to play Rafa on clay?
The world No. 8 also replied “not really” – before laughing – when asked in an on-court interview how exciting a prospect it was to face Nadal on clay.
The Spaniard is an 11-time champion at the Monte Carlo Masters. Rublev has been unable to win a set in the pair’s two previous meetings – both on hard courts.(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)
