As the Spaniard prepares for the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena where he will be joined by seven of the world’s best players, he says it is only a matter of time until Murray wins one of the major tournaments.

And having lost to Djokovic at the Paris Masters last week, Nadal is only too aware of the threat the Serbian poses.

"In my opinion Djokovic and Murray are still a little bit better than [world No5 and US Open champion] Juan Martín del Potro," he told the Guardian. "Murray has not won a grand slam yet [but] I think he can.

"Any player who is No 3 in the world will have a lot of chances to win a grand slam. He’s only 22, and so he will improve."

Aware that the London tournament will be a tough test, Nadal, who has endured a difficult season in terms of injury and personal problems, is hoping to finish the year on a high.

"Right now, I feel motivated to finish the year well - and to win the Davis Cup for Spain next month. The O2 will be tough because indoors is the most difficult surface for me. But I will try my best in London."

Having defeated Federer in the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne, Nadal’s season nosedived. After struggling with a recurring knee injury he was knocked out of the French Open semi-final by Robin Soderling and with his injury refusing to subside he subsequently withdrew from Wimbledon.

Severe tendonitis and his parents deciding to divorce saw Nadal hide himself away for 10 weeks with friends and family.