JAKARTA - Spain's Rafael Nadal admits it feels strange to appear at Wimbledon without the presence of former ATP world number one Roger Federer, who once recorded a historic rivalry with him on the grass courts of London, England.
Nadal, who now holds the Grand Slam with 22 titles, remembers the epic rivalry with the Swiss when the pair were involved in three successive finals in 2006-2009.
"We share a lot of important things together. It's very difficult to think about tennis in the last 15 to 20 years without thinking about the competition we've had," Nadal said at a Wimbledon press conference.
Nadal is making his first appearance at a grass-court Grand Slam after a three-year absence while Federer has missed this year's edition as he struggles with a knee injury he sustained over the past year.
For Nadal, Federer is not only an opponent in the competition arena, but also a friend who often supports each other.
"I think in some ways we push each other. I would like to think that this motivation comes from myself, but the fact that having a rival like him has influenced my spirit and motivation to compete," said the Spaniard.
Federer played as a junior at Wimbledon in 1998 and has returned every year since. He won a record eight titles and established himself as king of the grass courts.
Unfortunately, the 40-year-old Federer will miss out, giving Clay King Nadal the chance to extend his 23rd Grand Slam title, including two wins from this year's Australian Open and French Open.
However, Federer has hinted at a return to action after Wimbledon with a focus on the last Grand Slam of the season, the US Open.
"We've played in every big stadium, but not in New York. That's the only thing that bothers me a little bit, that we've never played in New York," said Nadal.
Nadal will start his bid for a third Wimbledon title against Argentine debutant Francisco Cerundolo in the first round.
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