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Rafael Nadal is back at practice after being out for over a month with knee tendinitis (click here for video.) He also spoke to reporters about his plans for the rest of the season and the future of his career. Here’s some of what he had to say via Marca (my Google-assisted translation.)

On his advantage over Roger Federer (sounds to me like Rafa’s got the No. 15 in his sights):

I have an advantage in regards to him (Federer) and that is my age, 23 years, compared to 27 or 28 for Roger. My career is not finished at age 23, and I hope to have time to keep fighting and be at the top. And I do not mean (fighting for) the number one position but continuing to win major titles – that’s what motivates me in the end, although I will not deny that I love being Number One and wish I could be right now.

On his ranking:

“Winning important tournaments is what motivates me more than being Number One.”

“One or two, the only thing that changes is the number. I wasn’t consumed with being World Number One, and nothing’s changed now as number two. What really matters to me is playing well, then anything is possible.“

On his prospects for the rest of the season:

“Even if you are already one hundred percent, one must be realistic. The remainder of the season will be difficult because after stopping for a month, nearly two, you lose the rhythm of competition while others have continued.”

Okay, so anyone else really looking forward to having both Nadal and Federer back at the US Open? (The arrival of Baby Fed and Rafa’s return from injury makes a final showdown unlikely before then.)

Take a look into your crystal ball:

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Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP/Getty Images via Yahoo!Sports