Djokovic is a different level of me, says Nadal

Though they were both listed as "Big Four" players in men's tennis this era, Rafael Nadal believed this year was different as Novak Djokovic has won "almost everything" and will be the favourite to win a possible meet at the China Open final between the former and current World No. 1 on Sunday.

"I know today Novak is not my league, is a different level of me this year," said Nadal, the 2005 winner in Beijing.

"So for me be in the final is a great news and tomorrow is a match to try to enjoy and try to play the way that I want to play, and we'll see."

The 29-year-old Spaniard might have struggled to maintain his own high level in 2015 but he reasserted some authority by defeating Fabio Fognini 7-5 6-3 on Saturday to enter the final in Beijing.

Reaching China Open final is the best performance on hard courts this year for Nadal, whose world ranking in singles has slipped from number three to eight since the start of 2015.

"For me, be in the final is a great event. Very happy with that result. At the same time, as I said the other day, the goal for me is try to find a good level at this end of the season. "

"Playing matches is the best practice possible, trying to do things on the matches, to have better feelings, practice the things that I need to do next year."

Nadal will play against Djokovic in a 44th career meeting on Sunday if the defending champion and the top seed can resist the challenge from David Ferrer in a chilly-night semifinal.

For Nadal, he felt no pressure.

"Tomorrow is a match I know is going to be very, very difficult. But I am here to try my best."

"My goal is try to play the way that I want to play. I know this year Novak, as I say before, is a different league of my one. But still happy with the final. I'm going to fight tomorrow and we'll see." Endi