Seeing Rafael Nadal on court is extra boost, says Garcia Lopez

In an interview to Marca, the 35-year-old Spaniard commented on currently recovering from a hip injury. The world No. 2 will play the Australian Open, which will be his first tournament this year.

He has been not playing for a lot of time, Garcia-Lopez said. I think that its obvious that he does not like to spend a lot of time without playing and even more Rafa who gives one more effort on every level in tennis.

Seeing him in tournaments is an extra boost in all ways. I suppose to be was bothered by not playing in Brisbane but at the same time be will be resting for the Major. Analyzing how the very beginning of his 2019 season went, Garcia-Lopez added: I had a good start to the year.

I went through the qualies in Doha and I won a main draw match. It was true that that was a wild card player but you have to beat him. I lost to Bautista, who is a player who gives everything in all the matches. Its never easy to start the year.

And opponents come from the pre-season in a strong way. I can improve little things on my game but if I achieve it, I can raise on the rankings. Does it change a lot joining the Australian Open main draw through a direct ranking or playing the qualies? Totally.

I could join it and I will play doubles with (Pablo Carreno) Busta as well. We will always try to pair up when he can this year. Sometimes it will be difficult to coincide because my ranking does not allow me to play the tournaments I was competing in before.

I have to enjoy my tennis and set goals to improve my tennis level. ALSO READ: Rafael Nadal: Worse players than David Ferrer won a Grand Slam title