While Kei Nishikori reached the finals of the Monte Carlo Masters, he crashed out early in the second round of the Barcelona Open. He retired, having lost the first set 6-3. In the pre-tournament press conference, the Japanese Tennis star spoke of Federer and Nadal and how they’ve dominated the Tennis arena.

‘Rafa (Nadal) and (Roger) Federer are at another level. The Tour, and so the Grand Slam titles, are becoming tougher every year. Very strong people crack top-50, you have younger players with much motivation and everyone wants to win, but there is still much to do to reach Nadal, Federer or (Juan Martin) del Potro.

Nadal will be the No. 1 favourite at the Roland Garros, for sure. He dominates every match on clay. Monte Carlo has a slower clay than Madrid or Roland Garros and we will see what happens. (Novak) Djokovic is playing well as well and things could change a little bit.’

Nishikori earlier spoke of what it was to play against Rafa, especially at clay.

I always enjoy playing Rafa, especially on clay, he is the best in history,” Nishikori said.

“I have to enjoy playing Rafa.

“I beat him before, only twice, but I beat him before so I think there is always a small chance

Read: “I know the day to say goodbye is closer”: Nadal

The kind of comeback that both Nadal and Federe have showcased is remarkable and hence totally worthy of being labelled as being on another level. The duo reigned supreme in 2017 winning two slams each despite sitting a major portion of 2016 out with injury. Federer is skipping the clay court for the second year in a row while Nadal is making a comeback post from a hip injury that he incurred at the Australian Open.

While Nadal is reigning supreme on clay, Federer will only be seen next in the grass court season beginning from Halle and Wimbledon, where he will be defending 2500 points. At the moment he did not mention Stuttgart despite playing there in both 2016 and 2017. Federer has won Halle nine times and Wimbledon eight times.