Rafael Nadal Will Be Put to the Test in Italian Open Final

Rafael Nadal is going to have his hands full in the Italian Open Final match versus either Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic.

Nadal has looked more like himself at the Italian Open on the traditional red clay surface after struggling on the blue clay at the Madrid Open last weekend. That being said, though, he has still looked a bit stiff compared to his usual dominant self, and he struggled with his backhand in his semifinal matchup against David Ferrer.

No matter how well he has played up to this point, the next match will determine his status heading into the French Open later this month.

Both Djokovic and Federer have the game to beat Nadal.

You wouldn't know that Federer's favorite surface is grass by the way he's played in the last couple of tournaments. After winning the Madrid Open last week, Federer has handled his opponents so far in the Italian Open, though Nadal fans would be sure to point out that it was against inferior competition.

Federer's strong ground game will be a tough matchup for Nadal right now, and if he continues to struggle with his backhand, it could be a match he would like to forget after it's all said and done.

Djokovic has only lost four matches all year long—the same number of losses as Nadal. He is always a tough opponent, and since his early exit at Madrid, he is out to prove his dominance once again.

Whoever wins the semifinal match, whether it be Federer or Djokovic, will be a tough test for Nadal. The matches between these three men are always exciting and full of excellent play on both sides, and they possess the best talent the world has to offer.

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