I am not stupid, want to face easier opponent, asserts Rafael Nadal on possible Fedal final

The Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry has transcended the sport of tennis after an era of utter domination. The duo has won every single major between them from the 2005 French Open to the 2008 Australian Open, when Novak Djokovic won his first Grand Slam. With the rise of the Serb, the rivalry took a bit of backseat but since the start of last year, the duo has shared six Grand Slam titles between them. 

The last time the duo met in a Grand Slam final was in last year’s Australian Open where Federer emerged as the victorious. While the match served as a nostalgic experience for fans on both sides, the 2008 Wimbledon final is still considered to be the “Greatest ever tennis match”. With both players dominating the circuit after almost a decade, the two are in a position to play out another final on the hallowed grass of Wimbledon. 

On the 10th anniversary of that legendary matchup, Nadal, when asked if he would like to renew the rivalry with the Swiss maestro, said that he was not too keen on the same.

"If I am in the final, I prefer to face an easier opponent. I am not stupid," Nadal replied, reported Straitstimes.

While yet another Fedal final is definitely a possibility, it wouldn't be as straightforward as it sounds. Federer seems to have gotten the better side of the draw after last season’s runner-up Marin Cilic was ousted by Argentinian Guido Pella. Now the worst that Federer might have to face en route to the final would be either Kevin Anderson or Milos Raonic.

However, it is not as simple a task for the top-seeded Spaniard. Even though Alexander Zverev was knocked out of the Slam by Ernests Gulbis, Nadal would still have to go through the likes of Juan Martin del Potro and Novak Djokovic/Kei Nishikori in back to back rounds. But instead of worrying about the final, Nadal, who has suffered more than his just share of injuries, is enjoying his second coming.  

"For me it's great to have all this great experience again, playing so well later in my career, having a great year last year, having a good year this year," he added.

"If I am in the final, it will be great news."