I will be happy even if I don't beat Federer's record: Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal

World number two Rafael Nadal has said that he will be able to look back on his career with pride even if he doesn’t break Roger Federer’s record of 17 Grand Slam titles.

Nadal, who has 13 Slams under his belt, was reportedly backed by tennis legends Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras to break Federer’s record.

“If that happens or that not happens, the only thing I am sure is when I am going to leave this tour, I am going to be very happy about what I did,” Nadal told responding to Agassi and Sampras.

“I tried everything in every practice, in every match. I gave everything. When you try your best every day, that’s all that you can do. I think I did. So that’s why I am going to be happy,” he added.

Nadal was speaking after his opening round 6-2, 6-4 victory in the China Open against Santiago Giraldo. Nadal has been in blistering form lately after returning from injury and is on course of challenging Novak Djokovic for the world number one spot.