Roger Federer: 'I am using Nadal as an inspiration for coming back strong in 2017'

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

Roger Federer was the special guest at the official opening of the Rafa Nadal Academy on Wednesday. Speaking to the gathered media, the Swiss said, "When last year we were in India and you spoke about your academy, I did not know what it would be exactly.

When I was on holiday, speaking with Mirka, I asked myself 'What would I want to have from my biggest rival if I had an academy?' I would want his opinion, experience and his help. But I don't have an academy and then I asked Rafa.

He told me I did not have to worry, he did not want to bother me. Then in Monte Carlo I saw the video of the project. I wanted to see the courts, the hotel, the museum and finally Rafa asked me to come here in October. I repliedm 'Yeah, I would be happy to do it as I have had a lot of free time recently.' I wish Rafa the best, I am sure the guys will learn so much from a such great player like you. I will surely send my children here if they want to play tennis." Federer also spoke about how he was using Nadal as an inspiration for his 2017 comeback. 'I wish Rafa to be healthy because I know what it means.

I am going through my first big injury. I have to say that it's almost easy for me, I spend a lot of time at home with my family, I am calm while practicing but I don't know how it will be when I will start competing again.

And you're an inspiration, the way you came back from injuries, you made it seem easy, when you broke into the top-10, top-5 again and became world no. 1. I hope to live something like this when I am back on the Tour in January,' said Federer.

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