Novak Djokovic has made it clear how much he respects Rafael Nadal as the Spaniard prepares for his tennis swansong.
The 37-year-old has returned to training and is primed to compete in the Brisbane International, which starts on Sunday.
Nadal missed virtually the entirety of last year with a hip injury.
He's expected to call time on his career at the end of the year, following Roger Federer into retirement.
Novak Djokovic has praised Rafael Nadal as the tennis legend prepares for retirement swansong
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Djokovic will be the man to beat in 2024, having won three Grand Slams this year.
The Serb has a remarkable 24 majors to his name, which is two more than Nadal.
And Djokovic, speaking at a press conference, has hailed Nadal and believes his rival will be returning at his maximum level.
"I always expect him to play at his best, to be honest," said the world No 1.
"Many times they've signed him out, they've done that with me as well.
"But we've proved them wrong.
"He's not a kind of a player who will come back to the tour just to play, let's say, on a medium level, play a few matches.
"He wants to win titles, he wants to be the best, that's why he is who he is: a legend of our sport.
"I'm sure his training and preparation is done with an intention to win a Grand Slam."
Carlos Alcaraz has been dubbed Nadal's heir, having won two Grand Slams himself over the past 18 months.
And the Wimbledon champion can't wait to see Nadal back in action after speaking from other players on the tour.
"I hear from other players that practised with Rafa in these past weeks and they said he's going to return to his good level. His top level," he said.
"I think he's ready for great things this year as well."
As for Nadal himself, the Spaniard isn't sure how well he can play given his longstanding injury issues.
He wants 2024 to be an enjoyable year - and has excited fans by proclaiming he will be 'competitive'.
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"I don't know at what level (I can play at), I don't know what to expect, I have no idea, but I don't care right now," stated the veteran.
"I'm just happy to be back and with great excitement to make the effort that is necessary to have fun, and I believe that I will be competitive."
Nadal's coach, Carlos Moya, said his countryman has struggled during his time on the sidelines.
He's unsure what to expect as a result, admitting it's not been a 'bed of roses'.
"When you go through a process like this operation ... at the end of the day, going under the knife is really a last resort to try and make a comeback and retire on court," he said.
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"Aware of those risks, he gave it a go because it was the only option for him if he wanted to come back.
"It has not been a bed of roses, far from it. It's been a winding, tortuous road, with many curves."
