I'm very happy to have been part of the rivalry with Roger Federer: Rafael Nadal

Nadal also praised the IPTL format saying it would help him prepare for the next season.

New Delhi: Spanish legend Rafael Nadal, who made his debut in the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) on Monday, said that his rivalry with Swiss maestro Roger Federer is a special one.

According to a report in The Times of India, Rafa, who hasn't been in the best form in Grand Slams of late, hailed Novak Djokovic's brilliant run in 2015, but gave priority to Federer in terms of a better rivalry.

“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.

Nadal won both his matches in IPTL on Monday and also praised the format saying it would help him prepare for the next 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," he said.

Indian Aces hammered UAE Royals 30-18 for their third straight win in season two of the tournament in Manila on Monday.

The Manila crowd had turned up in big numbers to watch Nadal play and the Spaniard didn't disappoint them as he battled past Tomas Berdych 6-5 via tie break in the fifth and final set.