• French Open

Nadal improving ahead of Murray showdown

Rafael Nadal's movement looked more assured against Robin Soderling © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Nadal puts on a show to send Soderling packing
  
• News: I'm not playing well enough to win the French Open - Nadal
  
• Profile: Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal feels he is finding his best form heading into the final stages of the French Open.

The world No. 1 has not been at his dominant best on the clay this spring, with Novak Djokovic beating him in Madrid and Rome. He has navigated his way into the semi-finals of the French Open without producing his best, but he looked good in disposing of Robin Soderling in three sets in the quarter finals.

Nadal has taken some time to adjust to the new balls that are being used at Roland Garros for the first time. The Babolat balls are not as conducive to spin as the Dunlop balls that are used for all other clay tournaments. Despite still being uncomfortable with the balls, the Nadal groundstrokes looked to be getting more action in his win over Soderling and he will head into his semi-final with Andy Murray in a positive frame of mind.

"I think I was able to move very well, even better today than in any other matches in this tournament," he said. "I had the feeling I was really covering the court much better and I was able to run a lot better than the former matches.

"Whether I am playing well enough to win Roland Garros, we will see. But in this match I played better, much better in my opinion."

Soderling forced the third set into a tiebreak and Nadal was happy to be tested by the only man to have beaten him at Roland Garros.

He said: "I did a lot of things well. But it is good to have a close end to the match as you need that pressure."

Nadal was pushed hard by Murray in Monte Carlo and he is expecting the British No. 1 to be a formidable opponent when they meet on Friday.

"He had a fantastic start to the season in Australia and then had a month not playing his best, but he has come back well," Nadal said. "He did well in Monte Carlo and Madrid. In Rome he was fantastic against Djokovic, that was the closest anyone has been to beating Novak.

"He is coming into this match with confidence and it will be a tough match for me."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.