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Rafael Nadal: 'Novak Djokovic is the favourite'

Rafael Nadal says that Novak Djokovic is the favourite to win their quarter-final tie at the French Open, but he is ready for the challenge.

Nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal has claimed that Novak Djokovic is the favourite to win their quarter-final clash on Wednesday.

Nadal has beaten Djokovic in all six of their previous meetings at Roland Garros and he has only ever lost one match at the tournament, which was to Robin Soderling six years ago.

However, Djokovic has won his last 26 matches and in his most recent clash against Nadal at Monte Carlo in April he beat the Spaniard in straight sets.

"The winner of the match will not be Roland Garros champion," he told reporters. "He will be a semi-finalist... that makes a big difference.

"Novak is probably the favourite here but I am here to fight."

Nadal will become the first player in the Open era to claim 10 titles at the same Grand Slam if he wins another French Open.

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Alex Meyers
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Novak Djokovic in action on day three of the French Open on May 26, 2015
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