Robredo eyes Nadal

Robredo was speaking after his 7-6 3-6 6-1 Masters Cup defeat to Nikolay Davydenko on Monday.

"If we play on clay Rafa (Nadal) would have as much of an advantage as I would, without a doubt," he said in reference to his loss to the Russian.

"But everything on hard court is decided by the smallest of details.

"In recent years I could not make the top ten due to the result of one match in particular, at Roland Garros or the US Open. But to get the Hamburg Masters Series was a big development, when it all 'clicked' for me."

Robredo faces Nadal next, after the young Spaniard lost in straight sets to American James Blake, and Robredo feels now is the time to face him.

"Rafa has already proved himself to be a great player in spite of his short career to date, but if there is a good time to play him it's now," Robredo declared.

"Today we have seen that he is not in his best form. But I need to have a lot of respect for him because I have never managed to beat him",

"I have to be prepared to die on the court and take all of my chances. I see myself playing well and with confidence, and I want to reach the semi-finals."