World number one Novak Djokovic has wished returning foe Rafael Nadal well and insists he wants to see him back on the court.
Nadal was forced out of this week’s Mubadala Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi due to a stomach virus, delaying his return from a knee injury which has kept him out since last year’s Wimbledon in June.
Five-time major winner Djokovic, who lost the 2012 US Open final to Andy Murray in Nadal’s absence, said he was ‘eager’ to see the Spaniard back.
“Well, to be honest I am [disappointed] because I was eager to see him play,” Djokovic said about Nadal pulling out of the Abu Dhabi tournament.
“He’s been off the tour for the last seven months and I’m sure all the tennis fans, all the sports fans want to see him on the court, back healthy and fit and I wish him, as his colleague, a fast recovery.”