Rafael Nadal gives insight into his tactics to counter Roger Federer’s “aggressive game”

Photo/Kyodo News/Getty Images Roger Federer set up a French Open semi-final against defending champion Rafael Nadal by overcoming fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka in four sets. Federer endured an energy-sapping three hours and 17 minutes on court to win 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4. Shortly before Federer won, Nadal completed a 6-1 6-1 6-3 win over Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals. Nadal has given insight into his tactics to counter Federer. “The way that I have been playing has been very positive,” said Nadal. “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 semi-finals is an extra thing. We shared the most important moments of our careers together on the court, facing each other. So [it’ll] be another episode, and [I’m] happy for that and excited. It will be [a] special moment, and let’s try to be ready for it.” The Spaniard knows he can’t afford to give the 20-time Grand Slam winner too much time. “We always try things. Let’s see. Let’s see what’s going on. I really expect that he’s going to play aggressive, changing rhythms, going to the net. That’s my feeling, that he’s going to try to play that way, because he’s playing well and he has the tennis to make that happen,” he said. “I have to be solid. I have to hit the ball enough strong to not allow him to do the things from good positions. I need to let him play from difficult positions, so from there he’s going to have fewer chances to go to the net or to play his aggressive game. If I am able to play good tennis and play well with my forehand and backhand, I hope to put him in trouble. If not, I will be in trouble.”

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