Nadal set to face Berrettini in first time meeting at US Open semi-finals

Rafael Nadal and Matteo Berrettini are set to face off in a first time meeting as the Men's half of the US Open semi-finals conclude later tonight.

Nadal has been an inspiration to Berrettini for years and at only 23 years of age he will contest his first Grand Slam semi-final; only around 14 years after watching his opponent in the final of Internazionali BNL d'Italia as an eight year old.

He spoke about the final in an interview after his Quarter-Final victory over Gael Monfils; he said that this gave him the inspiration to play those types of matches in the future and now he is here facing off against the Spaniard.

“I remember the final in Rome against Coria,” remembered Berrettini. “It was on a channel that was about cartoons. I was young. 'These guys, I mean, six hours. Come on! I want to catch my cartoons'. I remember that it was unbelievable.

“I think also, I was going to school and a lot of my classmates, they actually started to follow tennis more, to watch tennis more because the match was free. They were, ‘Oh, you're playing this sport then?’ I was, like, ‘Yeah. I'm dreaming about playing these matches.' And now I'm here. So I'm happy.”

The Italian has had a great tournament so far and with his brilliant forehand and serve, it will be some sight to behold at Flushing Meadows when they face off.

Nadal has stated that himself and admitted that despite him looking the standout this year that he needs to be at his brilliant best to see him off.

“Berrettini is having a great year. He's in the semi-finals, winning a lot of good matches… I need to play my best," said Nadal.

https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1169935820259770368?s=20

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