Taking on Nadal in French Open final is ultimate challenge, says Djokovic

Paris: World No.1 Novak Djokovic has said taking on Rafael Nadal in the French Open tennis tournament final will be the "ultimate challenge" for him.

Serbian Djokovic overcame Roger Federer in straight sets in the semi-finals Friday to set up a final clash with Nadal, who crushed fellow Spaniard and sixth seed David Ferrer 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 in his semi-final match. Djokovic is 14-18 behind in his head-to-head record against Nadal, and lost 10 of their 12 matches on clay, including their three previous French Open games in 2006, 2007 and 2008. "It`s the ultimate challenge," Djokovic said Friday. The only way for the Serb to beat Nadal on clay is to play consistently at his best, he said, but his strong form over the last 18 months gives him confidence. World No.3 Nadal will be chasing his seventh title at Roland Garros while Djokovic will be fighting for his fourth straight Grand Slam title after winning Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2011 and the Australian Open in January. He beat Nadal in all three of those finals. IANS