'Watching Federer play has moved me': Nadal acknowledges Rog's influence on his professional career

The fans in Brisbane, Australia, saw one of the greatest tennis players back in action. After missing out on competitive action for an extended period, Rafael Nadal returned to action for the Brisbane International, and there are chances that he will be competing in the Australian Open. He ended the longstanding 12-month wait to return and took part in a Men's doubles match with Marc Lopez. 

3 Things you need to know

• Rafael Nadal sustained a hip injury at the Australian Open 2023
• Nadal currently holds 22 Grand Slam titles
• In his return match, Nadal took part in a Men's Doubles Match alongside Marc Lopez

Also Read: 'Of course, yes. I went through a lot of things': Rafael Nadal opens up on his injury ordeal

Rafael Nadal opens up on how a retired tennis legend impacted his career

As Rafael Nadal marked his return at the Brisbane International, The Spaniard opened up on how Roger Federer had a positive impact on his illustrious career. As quoted by El Pais, Nadal shared his affection for Federer, as he stated:

“Since I have memory, he is the player who has impressed me the most, the one who has entertained me the most, the one who has moved me the most. Watching Federer play has moved me more than Djokovic, and in the end, tennis is about emotion; it’s the emotion that draws you to it.”

Also Read: Former World No.11 reflects on victories over Djokovic, Nadal, & Federer; Vows to comeback stronger

In his return match, Rafael Nadal was defeated by Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson in the men's doubles while playing with Marc Lopez.

Rafa gunning for Grand Slam as Djokovic makes big claim

The fans were rooting strongly for the return of Rafael Nadal as he is set to take part in the Singles competition. But it looks like one of his arch-rivals believes that Nadal will not just play, but win a Grand Slam as well. While speaking to the media during his exhibition match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Djokovic said

"He's not a kind of a player that will come back to the tour just to play -- let's say -- on a medium level, play a few matches. He wants to win titles, he wants to be the best, that's why he is who he is: a legend of our sport. I'm sure that his training and preparation is done with an intention to win a Grand Slam."

On January 2, Nadal will prepare for his first-round encounter against former US Open winner Dominic Thiem.