The Spanish tennis ace has confirmed that he will return to the tour after almost a year out with a hip injury and his old adversary Djokovic is desperate for a fresh edition of their long-running rivalry.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner said: "It would be nice for the sport to have at least one more match between Nadal and me.

"That’s the biggest rivalry, in terms of the amount of matches played, that this sport has ever had. So hopefully that can happen.

"He’s a big warrior, he’s somebody who never gives up and with all the injuries that he had, keeps going.

"That’s definitely something that you have to respect and admire about him and his spirit.

"For the world of tennis, no doubt that it’s amazing news that he will be back."

Nadal revealed earlier this week that he will be back on court at some point in the future after "taking a step forward" in his recovery.

The 22-time major champion said: "I’m well, training, and happy.

"I’m at a good stage of my life. Until now I didn’t know if I would play tennis again someday, and now I genuinely believe I will. I’m still not ready to say when, but I’m able to train increasingly longer, and the progress is good."

Nadal added: "We know that the pain will never disappear, but I’ve taken a step forward.

"That’s a lot for me. Talking about tennis is another matter altogether, as is the level I’ll be able to play at. But the steps toward trying to play again have been big and positive, which is what we have been fighting for for several months. I’m confident I’ll be able to say something more specific in the coming weeks."