IPTL: Glad to be back in India, I think I'll be here next year too, says Rafael Nadal

New Delhi: Spanish legend Rafael Nadal, who missed out on the first season of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), said that he was glad to be back in India and was hopeful of being part of the third edition as well.

"I am very glad to be back in India after a gap of two years, fans here have always been great and I enjoy being in a place where my foundation is also there," he said.

In his debut season of IPTL, Nadal is turning up for the Micromax Indian Aces, which also has on its roster Indian tennis aces Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna among others.

While Rafa was clear in saying that the tournament won't find a place in (ATP) World Tour, he also stressed on the point that the players weren't playing exhibition matches.

"I don't think these are exhibition matches, these games are very competitive. The intensity of competition is good. I feel the rules are perfect in the IPTL and it's a great idea. But obviously, in the (ATP) World Tour, it doesn't have a place," asserted the 29-year-old.

The 14-tim Grand Slam winner said he liked the format and will be back.

"IPTL has been great so far and hopefully I will be back. I have liked the format, the team spirit is good, I think I am going to be back," Nadal told reporters in a press conference after his team's dominating win over Philippines Mavericks here.

The 'King of Clay' has struggled with his form this season, failing to win a single Major for the first time in 10 years.

(With Agency inputs)