Rafael Nadal on Serena Williams Getting Back to No. 1 After Birth of Daughter: 'I Think She Can'

Rafael Nadal has zero doubts when it comes to Serena Williams‘ power on the court.

The tennis star told PEOPLE at a Cosentino cocktail event before the U.S. Open that he was confident Williams would get back to her No. 1 world ranking after welcoming her first child on Sept. 1.

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“I think she can. If she keeps the motivation she’s had all these years, Serena has more than demonstrated that she’s capable of anything,” Nadal said. “Someone like that always has the possibility of getting back to the top. She’s shown that tennis is a huge part of her life and it’d be an incredible example if she can do it.”

Nadal took to Twitter to congratulate the new mom after the birth of her baby.

Williams stepped back from competing this year after winning the 2017 Australian Open in January, and Nadal knows about getting back to the top after his recent return to No. 1 ahead of the U.S. Open. Nadal was last the top ranked player in the world in July 2014 before he was plagued by injuries.

“It’s a nice feeling. Getting back to No. 1 after so many years and everything that’s happened means a lot,” Nadal admitted. “I’m happy about it, the year has been really positive and I hope to finish it the best way possible.”

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