Roger Federer has praised long-time rival Rafael Nadal for his journey back to world No.1 this year after struggling with a wrist injury.
In 2016 the Spaniard missed almost three months of the tour due to a wrist problem and ended the season at ninth in the world, his lowest season-ending position since 2004. Since then, Nadal has blossomed in 2017. Winning five ATP titles, including a record tenth French Open trophy as well as the US Open.
“Am I surprised that he’s world No. 1 right now? Maybe a little bit, just because last year we were at the academy both injured, not knowing where our careers were going to go.” Said Federer.
Like Nadal, 36-year-old Federer also struggled with injury in 2016. Calling quits to his season in July due to a knee issue. He has also managed to stage an equally impressive comeback by winning two grand slam and two Masters 1000 titles.
Nadal’s resurgence was expected by Federer, but the speed of his comeback has caught him off guard. During the remainder of the season, the two will be battling it out for the year-end No.1 ranking. Nadal currently leads Federer by 1960 points, but the Swiss player has no points to defend for the remainder of the year.
“I’m not surprised he came back and won the French Open and he wins Grand Slams again and that he was in contention for world No.1.” Federer said about the current No.1.
“But then being world No. 1 is a whole different story. For that you also have to see how Murray was going to play, and Djokovic was going to have a word to say, obviously.” He continued.
“We didn’t know they were going to get hurt and not have their best season.”
This weekend the two will put their rivalry aside to team up in the inaugural Laver Cup, which begins on Friday. Both Federer and Nadal are in Team Europe with a prospect that the two could pair up to play in a doubles match at some point.
“We are here to try our best. We are here to try to win. Not at all like a friendly match.” Stated Nadal. “We are here to really play with passion and to play for our Continent.”
“We have a great team behind us. We want to do it well for all of them. Let’s see if we are able to do it.”
Nadal will play his first Laver Cup match on Friday followed by Federer on Saturday.
