Roger and Rafa all set for Indian Wells

 

Originally published on: 10/03/10 16:36

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are both in upbeat mood as they prepare to return to action for the first time since the Australian Open in Indian Wells this week.

World No.1 Federer claimed his 16th Grand Slam title in Melbourne, while defending champion Nadal limped out of his quarter-final match with Andy Murray with a knee injury.

As the Spaniard took time out to recover, Federer was forced to miss the Dubai Tennis Championships with a lung infection, but has been given the all clear by doctors and completed a full practice session at the weekend.

“Back on the court in Indian Wells today,” Federer wrote on his Facebook page. “Felt great to hit as it was the first hit I had in two-and-a-half weeks.”

And defending champ Nadal is also in positive mood ahead of the year’s first Masters 1000 event, saying his knee will not be a handicap in California.

“I have been training hard for three weeks,” he said. “We have worked during the pre-season to recover the form which I had when I arrived in Australia. I feel strong and my knees do not hurt me – now I just want to compete.

“My main objective, the most immediate goal, is to play well during the American hard court season. I have 1000 points to defend at Indian Wells as the defending champion. But the main idea is to play well.”

The Spaniard is also keen to put himself in contention for the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup after missing the opening round victory over Switzerland, which Federer also skipped.

“The next elimination stage in France will be very hard and to get through it we need to all be at 100%. I would like to be there,” said Nadal.

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