Defending Australian Open champion Roger Federer reckons his main rival and World No. 1 Rafael Nadal is still in his prime.
Lauding the Spanish superstar, Federer insisted he was extremely happy with the way Nadal’s career has eventually turned out to be. The Swiss legend also acknowledged that both he and Rafa took advantage of the situation in 2017, splitting all the four Grand Slams in the absence of the likes of former No. 1 Novak Djokovic, triple Major winners Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray.
“I think Rafa, in a way, is still in his prime,” Federer said.
“I was always hoping to play of a long time and once you’ve been world No 1 and won all the slams we have won, same as Novak, at some stage you believe you can always achieve greatness again.
“As long as you keep yourself in shape, hungry and motivated.
“We definitely also profited from the fact some guys were injured, especially in the second half of the season.
“That put us up there easier to No 1 and 2 but we did have to do it the hard way as well, here in Australia when everybody was competing and playing.
“I’m really happy for Rafa.
“What a career he has had and what a season, finishing the year as world No 1, the oldest ever, was really impressive and I wish him the best again for this year.”
Nadal and Federer are the top two seeds at the Australian Open, which starts in Melbourne on Monday. While the Majorcan is in the top of the draw, the 36-year-old from Basel is in the lower half of the draw. Nadal will open the night session inside the Rod Laver Arena tomorrow when he will take on Victor Estrella Burgos for a place in the second round. On the other hand, overwhelming favorite Federer will start his Aussie Open defense against Aljaz Bedene of Slovenia on Tuesday.
