Rafael Nadal says he likes the potential of 21-year-old Grigor Dimitrov, whom he beat 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the Monte Carlo quarterfinals. Dimitrov began the year ranked No. 48 and may crack the Top 30 when the new rankings are released on Monday.
“He's playing well,” Nadal told reporters. “He had a good chance against Djokovic in first set of Indian Wells, then good chance against Andy [Murray] in first set of Miami. I saw both matches a little bit. Now he's the present and the future. He's able to play very well, very aggressive, very good technique. He's a complete player.”
Nadal will play France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semifinals, whom he is 7-3 against and won their sole meeting on clay.
“It's an incredible challenge. If I win, I'll be a hero. If I lose, I'll just go back home like everybody else," Tsonga said.