Toni Nadal praised Roger Federer's great 2017 season so far, but admitted at the same time that other opponents will be tough to beat too. 'He had a better start of the year than us, in Miami we were a little bit unlucky in some moments,' Toni told IB3.

'Federer evolved in terms of game and tactics, he played more aggressive especially on the backhand side.' Speaking about how Rafa's season went instead, Toni added, 'We had a good level and we approach the clay-courts season with enthusiasm.

We know that every year it's tougher and tougher but we want to do well,' he told TT Deporte. Asked if he would have signed to have a such good start of the year, Toni replied, 'It went better than what we thought.

The bad luck was to face Federer in every tournament (laughs).' About Roger not competing again until French Open, Toni said, 'I would have preferred that it were Djokovic who rested until Roland Garros.' ALSO READ: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to play ATP 500 Basel