Rafael Nadal Thanks Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal takes on Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final tomorrow looking for his 18th Grand Slam title.

The Spaniard has been in top form over the past fortnight as he blasted past every opponent without dropping a set.

However, Nadal has a slightly worse head-to-head record against world No 1 Djokovic, winning 25 of their 52 encounters.

Their rivalry usually brings out the best in both men, with marathon ties common place.

The pair battled over five hours in the 2012 Australian Open final.

But Nadal thinks the task of beating Djokovic is similar to that of Roger Federer.

“Well, is all the time the same for us,” Nadal said.

“I can say Novak, Roger have been part of these rivalries. I really enjoy both.

“At the same time I feel lucky to have these rivals because that’s push me a lot.

“At the same time I have probably shared all my career with the two best players of the history, probably with me, maybe Rod Laver.

“But at the same time that’s a very demanding thing. Have been a very special moment that we share together in the court with Novak during all our careers in the most important stages.

“We push each other to the limit of our tennis level. Tomorrow going to be another episode.”

As much as the rivalries drive Nadal to further greatness, he does not believes they are the sole motivation.

“I will say all the rivals you have in front that feel like are better than you, like Novak, like Roger, like Andy [Murray] sometimes, I don’t say without them I will not keep improving, because I always have my personal motivation,” Nadal added.

“But I say one thing: when you have rivals like this in front, is easier to have a clear view about the things you have to improve.”