Nadal has already beaten Djokovic on clay this year in Monte Carlo and Rome, and is 12-2 on the surface against him lifetime.

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The pair met in the semifinals in Monte Carlo recently, where an out-of-form Djokovic crashed out 6-2 6-2.

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Nadal has won eight successive titles in Monte Carlo and recorded his 43rd straight tournament victory by dispatching Australia's Marinko Matosevic 6-1 6-2.

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Monte Carlo finalist Guillermo Coria , the 13th seed, kept his recent good form going with a comfortable 6-2 6-2 win over Fernando Verdasco.

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