"Nadal destroys you mentally and physically" says Fognini about 11x Monte-Carlo Champion

Fabio Fognini is one of the rare players who has beaten Nadal multiple times on clay and he knows what it means to play the king of clay.

Fabio Fognini is the defending champion of the Monte-Carlo Masters having won it in 2019. That title run featured an impressive win over Nadal which was his 3rd victory over Nadal on clay. Speaking to Marca the Italian said:

“Rafa is Rafa and he could spend a whole day explaining what it means. I have had a career in which I have met the best in history. I think I have beaten Rafa because I have a game that bothers him a bit. Especially when I am well, I have blows that do not give him time. Mentally and physically he destroys you and to beat him you need to have the perfect day."

Fognini also expressed a desire to play Nadal at the Roland Garros again saying:

“Hopefully I can play again (against Nadal at Roland Garros) because I always want to play with the best in the best scenarios for them. That would mean I’m in a good round.”

He was also asked whether he would have accomplished so much without his strong character to which he said:

“I think so and at the same time, I think not. On the negative side, it has made me lose a lot of money, a lot of games, and a lot of tournaments."

He explained further:

“I am not ashamed to say so. Ranking? Maybe it could have gone up past nine or not. To have been number five, four or three in the world, if that meant changing myself even if I didn’t like it, then I say no."