World number one Novak Djokovic has said that he will have to be in a positive frame of mind if he is to defeat Rafael Nadal in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The Serb, who overcame Fabio Fognini in straight sets to book his place in the final, said that he is happy to have got so far having struggled with an ankle injury this week.
"The way I felt in the first match, if somebody told me I'd be playing the final, I'd be very happy to hear that," Djokovic told reporters.
Djokovic was respectful to the Spaniard's achievements in Monte Carlo, where he has won the last eight years running.
"I need to have a very optimistic mindset in order to get a win [against Nadal]," he added. "I'm not going out there to play my best; I'm going out there to win.
"I lost to him twice in the final here in Monte Carlo. It's always a big challenge when you play a top player, especially Rafa, who hasn't lost here in eight years.
"I think that says enough about his record and qualities."
Nadal, who beat Djokovic in last year's final, defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3 7-6[3] to set up the clash with Djokovic.
