"I don't need to be called the king of nothing" - Rafael Nadal after beating Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach French Open QF

Rafael Nadal dismissed Felix Auger-Aliassime in a thrilling five-set slugfest on Sunday to book a blockbuster French Open quarterfinal against defending champion Novak Djokovic.

Nadal, 35, faced his toughest test of the week against the 21-year-old Auger-Aliassime, who turned up the heat against the 13-time champion. The Canadian drew first blood, taking the opening set before Nadal took the next two. However, Auger-Aliassime raised his level to force a decider, marking only the third time Nadal was taken to a fifth set at Roland Garros.

Eventually, the Spaniard drew on his big-game experience, beating Auger-Aliassime 6-3 in the fifth to book a riveting last-eight clash with Djokovic.

In his press conference, Nadal was asked if his friends and family call him the 'King of Clay', to which he replied in the negative.

"No, nobody call me in that way, in my family or even in my close group of people. Not at all. No," said Nadal. "I never feel that way."

A humble Nadal acknowledged his stellar accomplishments on the red dirt but said that he doesn't need to be called the "king" of anything, albeit with a smile.

"Of course I achieved more than the rest on this surface, so I don't need to be called the king of nothing (smiling). I know what I did in my tennis career, and especially in this surface," he said.

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"I hope to be able to give myself a chance to play at the highest level possible" - Rafael Nadal on facing Novak Djokovic in quarterfinals

Rafael Nadal at the 2021 French Open - Day 13

Rafael Nadal has a commanding 19-8 lead on clay against his quarter-final opponent Novak Djokovic, including 7-2 at Roland Garros.

However, the Spaniard has lost two of his last three meetings against Djokovic in the tournament, including the pair's clash in the semifinals last year.

Acknowledging the enormity of the challenge against Djokovic, who has not lost a set this week, Nadal said that he could be at a disadvantage. Djokovic is on a nine-match winning streak, winning 22 sets on the trot, including 12 at Roland Garros.

Nadal, meanwhile, is hindered by a foot injury, has played only nine matches on clay this season and is yet to reach a semifinal. Considering these factors, the Spaniard suggested that Djokovic would start as the favourite.

"I didn't play this kind of (long) matches for the last three months, so gonna be a big challenge for me. Of course he already won, I think, last nine matches in a row, winning in Rome and now winning here in straight sets every match. Probably he will be confident," Nadal said.

As for his chances in the match, Rafael Nadal said that he'll need to play at a very high level against an in-form opponent.

"I am just trying to enjoy as much as possible and fight as much as I can to keep living the dream that is keep playing tennis and be back in a very advanced round of Roland Garros, playing against the World No. 1. Let's see. I hope to be able to give myself a chance to play at the highest level possible and then let's see," he said.

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Also Check Out :- French Open 2022 Schedule