In the season of exhibitions when all eyes will be on the Roger Federer-Pete Sampras clash in Seoul on Tuesday, the world number one's closest rival, Rafael Nadal will take on Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the Clash of Titans match in Malaysia.
- Sampras-Federer prepare to battle
The match is a precursor to the bigger event-- Clash of Titans, between Federer and Sampras on November 22.
Federer and Sampras will play three exhibition matches in Asia, the third of which will he held in Macau.
Tennis aces Nadal and Gasquet touched down in Malaysia amidst much fanfare on Monday evening, and promise to put on a show when they take to the court on Tuesday at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport moments after arrival, Nadal said: "For us, it's nice to be here. It's the first time (in Malaysia) for both of us, so it is very special.
"Sure, it's an exhibition match, but we've big motivation to play well and try to win. It is easier to come here because I was in Shanghai, so I don't have to travel far. It's nice to play against Gasquet again after our last match in Shanghai. It's the last match of season, and you always want to finish it with good feelings."
Added Frenchman Gasquet, "Nadal has been playing unbelievable tennis for the last three years. I might have lost in each of the previous meetings, but I will try my best again this time (to set the record straight)."
Last week, the pair took part in the season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai - an event showcasing the best players in men's tennis. There, Nadal edged Gasquet in a tight encounter 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, in a preview of what can be expected on Tuesday at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam.
Nadal, 21, who has held the world No.2 spot for the last three years and is the only undefeated player in French Open history, said, "This match is a very different. Anything can happen. Our levels are very close. Last week, it went to a third set and he had chances to beat me. For sure, if he plays well, he can beat me. I hope it'll be another good match tomorrow for us, as well as the fans here.
Gasquet, also 21, is currently ranked 8th in the world. The Frenchman has made numerous scalps in his career, including wins over world No.1 Roger Federer, American Andy Roddick and Novak Djokovic. He was also the semi-finalist at this year's Wimbledon.
And he is looking to add the prized scalp of Nadal to his impressive list of conquests.
He said, "Nadal can go to the net, defend and play the forehand. I know that to beat him, I've to play at my best level to stand a chance."
The match will kick-off the Malaysia Independence Tennis Festival, which also features the Clash of Times and the Malaysian Open ATP Challenger Series tennis tournament.
