Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson go way, way back

Rafael Nadal says he's known his next opponent, Kevin Anderson, since they were 12 years old. 

Asked about the finalist from South Africa who played in college at the University of Illinois, the Spaniard said it will be a tough match.

"He had some injuries so he’s a big example for the kids and for the rest of the tour too," Nadal said in a post-match interview on court. "He was able to be back and play his best tennis now in his career so I’m happy for him because I know him since we (were) 12 years old playing ... It’s great to see him in a final of one of the most important events of the year."

After Nadal's match, a cute photo of the two players as kids started making the rounds. 

Anderson beat Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4  in a semifinal Friday. He reached his first Grand Slam final in his 34th major tournament. 

He was asked about the possibility of facing Nadal or Juan Martin del Potro in the final.

"Nadal's, I think, one of the greatest competitors in sports, period," Anderson said. "He's an amazing fighter. You know, he really controls the court well, you know, the few times I have played him."

Nadal leads their all-time head-to-head 4-0, with their last meeting coming in Barcelona on clay in April. Nadal won that match, 6-3, 6-4.