Nadal unsure about another major title, loyal to Toni

Rafael Nadal inspired Indian Aces enjoyed a memorable outing against returning Roger Federer’s UAE Royals in the second edition of International Premier Tennis League. “I have liked the format, the team spirit is good, I think I am going to be back”, Nadal told the media in an interactive session after his group’s overwhelming win over Philippines Mavericks here, in New Delhi.

“The only thing I can advise is that try to have right people around you, who know about the sport, who really support you and try to help you reach your best level, practise everyday with motivation and passion. Normally, I am not benched for mixed doubles but Herbert is also playing so well”, the disappointment was palpable for the Olympic bronze medallist, who won three mixed doubles Grand Slam titles with Martina Hingis this year.

And the two living legends, with a combined jaw-dropping 31 Grand Slam victories to their name, didn’t disappoint.

Nadal, whose only titles this year came at events in Hamburg, Stuttgart and Buenos Aires, noted that his form improved at the end of the season with runner-up finishes in Beijing and Basel.

While the Federer-Nadal rivalry has become one of the most interesting competitions in the history of the sport, the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry has augmented to the pinnacle of late and is cruising to be the other remarkable on-court enmity.

“I’m pleased with how I’m playing now”.

“2015 has been not the best season”, he said. Many tennis players often give you the sense that they generally just need to lighten up.

“Rafa for me has been the ultimate challenge, along with some other players at the beginning when I was coming up and when I was bit more limited in my game”, said Federer, speaking in Dubai in the midst his International Premier Tennis League preparations. “But obviously, in the (ATP) World Tour, it doesn’t have a place”, he said.

The 26-year-old took his stunning record to 15 knockouts from 15 fights since turning pro after winning 2012 Olympic gold in London.

Nadal said he was happy to be back in India and hoped for a long future for the IPTL.

“Personally, I love it. Call it an exhibition or not I don’t know what it is but it’s a fun concept and that’s why I’m back here again”, said Federer.

But Federer – who appointed Ivan Ljubicic as his new coach this week – is determined to beat his rival to tennis’ biggest prizes next year. “I am excited to play against him here”. The match was so close and it was decided in just few points.