Rivalry with Roger Federer is special, says Rafael Nadal

MANILA: Rafael Nadal was visibly cheerful after winning both matches on his IPTL debut.
“I heard so much about this league from many players after I missed it last year...I am very glad that I have come and played this time, and especially in Manila where I've come for the first time in my life... the crowd was just unreal,” Nadal said.
Playing in the IPTL is, for him, the `perfect preparation' for the 2016 season.“If I hadn't travelled now, I would have been practicing back home. But playing in the IPTL gives me the chance to spend some good time with my colleagues, have fun, hit with them and play some competitive matches also. This is top preparation for me.”
Nadal's semifinal loss in the ATP World Finals helped the Serb world No. 1 tie their head-to-head record at 23-23 in what has been the most prolific rivalry in Open era. But that doesn't make it more special or harder than the one he shares with Swiss player Roger Federer.
“Every rivalry is different. Novak is a great player and what he has done this season is very special. But I'm very happy to have been part of the rivalry with Roger too, because of our different styles of play,” said the Spaniard on Monday.