roger has the game to gun down nole in the best of 3 sets formats on quicker courts but he is just not getting it done these days.
I am not sure if wawa can beat even a tired nadal. the problem is nole.
nole just has too many weapons and his movement is off the charts. and then on top of that, he has the necessary consistency to trouble nadal.
nadal has a few matches under his belt now on this fast surface so he is a little more acclimated. so nadal wont struggle like he did against fognini at the china open.
I just don't think he has the mental and physical fuel to battle nole here. nadal has won way too much this year. and he is just one man.
something had to give sooner or later.
nadal`s domination of the clay circuit takes a lot out of him.
The last thing Rafa needs right now is another match with Nole. But I agree with you, if both reach the Final it will be more competitive than Beijing.