Federer would love to play Nadal in Open semis; Rafa, not so much

Roger Federer sounds excited about a potential meeting with Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the US Open, but Nadal is being more practical—he wants an easier opponent.

The legendary rivals have never played at Flushing Meadows. If they do both get to the semis, Federer anticipates a "great atmosphere" in what would likely be a night match in the biggest stadium in the sport.

"I'd be happy to play him here," said Federer. "I mean, there's like, I don't know—60-plus guys in between us that don't agree we, in our section, should make it to the semis ... But I'd love to play Rafa here in New York."

Federer did not play the tournament in 2016, which means he has also not yet competed under the new roof.

"Excited to play on center court for the first time with the proper structure and roof now," he said. "I'm excited playing here again."

Nadal leads their career meetings, but has not won any of their three encounters this season. Asked if he wanted a semifinal with Federer, the 31-year-old looked at it quite differently.

"If I get to semifinals, not ... Sounds very good, but the real thing, I prefer to play against another player, an easier one if it's possible," said Nadal with a smile. "I know you want to hear the other way, that I would love to play with him."

But Nadal knows the significance of their meetings.

"Of course I understand it [would be] great for our history," he said.

Nadal is the No. 1 seed at the US Open, and Federer is No. 3 in the seedings.

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