All set for the fiercest rivalry
Bengaluru: Dec 13, 2015, DHNS:
Come Saturday and a piece from the greatest rivalry of current times would be staged at the International Tennis Premier Tennis here.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have thrilled fans with some classic contests, high on adrenaline and quality. Their magic, although capsuled in just a set this time, promises to be just as riveting. Nadal made it clear that he wouldn’t be found wanting in effort in the indoor arena, which favours Federer's game.
The two have played each other 34 times with Nadal leading the head-to-head 23-11. Federer was part of the inaugural IPTL, and had wowed all and sundry during his clash with Novak Djokovic. The organisers are keenly awaiting the marquee clash to boost the crowd attendance which had been unusually thin in the first two days.
Nadal, who endured a tough season, said he was looking forward to meet the Swiss maestro.
“Anything can happen but I will give my best shot. The format is so quick, and everything moves so fast, and Federer loves to play quicker than me plus he also loves to play indoors, but I am looking forward to play against Federer on Saturday,” he said.
When many around the world are terming IPTL an exhibition event, Nadal begged to differ. The Spaniard, playing in his first season, insisted the league was a serious affair and an ideal way to get valuable match practice.
“This is not an exhibition match and everyone is putting their optimum effort and for me it's a 100% preparation. For me, this time of the year, it is great to be here, it’s a perfect match practice. I am training hard, and I get to play some competitive matches against some good players. If I wasn't here, I would be training in Mallorca, so it is great to be here. I really hope that this event should keep going for a long time," said Nadal, who is likely to return next year.
"The tennis in IPTL is so competitive, it's a tough match, everyone wants to win and the tennis is of high quality. I enjoy this format of tennis, its perfect for the IPTL but surely it's not a fit for the ATP Tour."
Nadal was all praise for the IPTL rules which haven’t been to the liking of some players. “I liked it and I think these rules are great for IPTL, but it won’t work on world tours and other big tennis events,” he said.
“It’s a good competition and the organisation was brilliant. I’m happy with everything and hope that the IPTL does well.”
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have thrilled fans with some classic contests, high on adrenaline and quality. Their magic, although capsuled in just a set this time, promises to be just as riveting. Nadal made it clear that he wouldn’t be found wanting in effort in the indoor arena, which favours Federer's game.
The two have played each other 34 times with Nadal leading the head-to-head 23-11. Federer was part of the inaugural IPTL, and had wowed all and sundry during his clash with Novak Djokovic. The organisers are keenly awaiting the marquee clash to boost the crowd attendance which had been unusually thin in the first two days.
Nadal, who endured a tough season, said he was looking forward to meet the Swiss maestro.
“Anything can happen but I will give my best shot. The format is so quick, and everything moves so fast, and Federer loves to play quicker than me plus he also loves to play indoors, but I am looking forward to play against Federer on Saturday,” he said.
When many around the world are terming IPTL an exhibition event, Nadal begged to differ. The Spaniard, playing in his first season, insisted the league was a serious affair and an ideal way to get valuable match practice.
“This is not an exhibition match and everyone is putting their optimum effort and for me it's a 100% preparation. For me, this time of the year, it is great to be here, it’s a perfect match practice. I am training hard, and I get to play some competitive matches against some good players. If I wasn't here, I would be training in Mallorca, so it is great to be here. I really hope that this event should keep going for a long time," said Nadal, who is likely to return next year.
"The tennis in IPTL is so competitive, it's a tough match, everyone wants to win and the tennis is of high quality. I enjoy this format of tennis, its perfect for the IPTL but surely it's not a fit for the ATP Tour."
Nadal was all praise for the IPTL rules which haven’t been to the liking of some players. “I liked it and I think these rules are great for IPTL, but it won’t work on world tours and other big tennis events,” he said.
“It’s a good competition and the organisation was brilliant. I’m happy with everything and hope that the IPTL does well.”
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