Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - ATP update 2016 (Photo : Getty Images Sport)
Roger Federer is becoming more and more of a fan to rival Rafael Nadal these past few years. In an interview on Noz.de, the Swiss Master admitted that he has learned to admire Nadal, the very same player that dealt him so many heartaches in the past.
The 34-year old Federer spoke highly of Nadal despite sharing one of tennis most intense rivalry with the Spaniard. Federer, who lost 23 of 34 matches against Nadal, didn't hold back in lauding the 14-time Grand Slam winner for providing him the ultimate challenge throughout his tennis career.
While Federer also recognized Novak Djokovic's dominance the past 3 to 4 years, it's clear the Swiss had a deeper bond with Nadal.
"I am a big fan of him (Rafa) simply because he has been the biggest and complicated opponent I ever had. So I have maximum respect for him. I am the last person to think that he could not win anything anymore. I know how good he is."
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For the record, this isn't the first time Federer provided words of admiration for Nadal. In an interview few months ago, Federer shared his thoughts of Nadal the first time he played against him. There, the Swiss revealed he never had a single doubt Nadal was on his way to becoming a world's no.1 and one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
It has been a rough past four weeks for Federer, who just racked up a total of five matches after coming off a two-month layoff to rehabilitate a surgically-repaired knee. He reached the quarterfinals of Monte Carlo Masters and third round of Rome Masters, but had to withdraw in Madrid due to a recurring back issue.
With his back hampering his preparation anew, Federer hinted some doubts on his participation at the upcoming French Open championship. Still, he remains optimistic that he can pull it through just in time for the clay-court Grand Slam.
At the end of the day, the former world's no.1 and 17-time Grand Slam made it clear for everybody that his greatest goal this season is to win another title at Wimbledon and perhaps snag a gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, which will take place three months from now
