World number one Rafael Nadal has said he expects Roger Federer to bounce back in 2014 after a miserable ATP Tour this year.
Federer, to some, is the greatest player of all time after winning 17 Grand Slam titles in his career so far, but the Swiss star failed to reach a major final this year for the first time since 2002. He has slipped down to seventh in the world rankings, with Tomas Berdych closing in on 4,180 points compared to Federer’s 4,245.
The 32-year-old struggled throughout the season but Nadal, who won the French Open and US Open after returning from injury, still believes his great rival has more in the tank.
“I don’t have any doubt that he will be playing better than what he did this year,” Nadal told a news conference at the Paris Masters.
“No doubt about that. His talent allows him to keep being one of the favourites, to keep winning the best tournaments of the year. His goal probably will be finish the year well and be ready to start well in Australia next year.
“If that happens, he will be one of the candidates to win the first Grand Slam of the season. That’s something that really motivates him. I am sure that he’s not finished. He will work hard in the off-season to be ready for 2014. I am sure he will be back playing great tennis again.”
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