Rafael Nadal plays Gael Monfils in a humdinger of a semi-final at the Qatar Open on Friday.
Monfils enjoyed one of the best results of his career in Doha three years ago when he knocked Nadal out in the quarters - 6-4, 6-4. However unfortunately for the Frenchman, the rest of their encounters have been fairly one-sided and Nadal leads the head-to-head 9-1.
Nadal is seeking his first Doha title this week and the omens look ominous for Monfils based on the Spaniard's quarter-final performance. Nadal saw off Mikhail Youzhny 6-4, 6-4 in a highly entertaining contest and afterwards declared himself delighted with the display.
"For a lot of moments during the match, I played at a very, very high level, moving very well, going inside the court," he said. "I had control of the point most of the time against a player that I normally [am not able to dictate], because his level has always put me in trouble in the past."
Monfils responded in fine style later in the day, powering his way past Viktor Troicki surprisingly comfortably - 6-2, 6-3.
"I was ready to put on my best by overpower[ing] him and just control[ing] the court," Monfils said. "It will be tough [against Rafa]. I have to play like I did tonight. I know what Rafa will give me and he knows what I will give him. It will be a strong match from the baseline."
Prediction: Nadal in three.
