"It is almost impossible to beat Rafa. He's too strong. He's improving his backhand a lot. That's why he's the No 1 and beating all the guys"
Friday 8 June 2018 19:53, UK
Juan Martin del Potro believes it is "almost impossible" to defeat Rafael Nadal on clay after the Spaniard motored into his 11th final at the French Open.
The giant Argentine was expected to push Nadal to the limit in Friday's semi-final but slumped to a 6-4 6-1 6-2 defeat with the world No 1 reeling off 14 of the last 17 games.
Nadal will next face Dominic Thiem, who is playing in his first Grand Slam final compared to Nadal's 24th appearance.
And Del Potro, who failed to convert any of his seven break points before his challenge petered out, believes Nadal is in a league of his own.
"It is almost impossible to beat Rafa. He's too strong. He's improving his backhand a lot. That's why he's the No 1 and beating all the guys," said Del Potro.
"He looks fresh. He is healthy. And the strength that he has and the mentality - everything is perfect, works perfect for him playing on clay."
Should Nadal win on Sunday it will give him a 17th Grand Slam title, just three behind great rival Roger Federer.
"If he continues with this desire, he can win many more times, like Federer for Wimbledon, and other major tournaments," added Del Potro.
"Ten years ago, it was Rafa and Roger, and now it's always the same. So they always win the big tournaments.
"It just speaks to their virtues in terms of tennis, physical and mental strength."
