The number one tennis player in the world, Rafa Nadal, arrived home on his native island of Mallorca this evening after a 38-hour journey from Melbourne, where he won the Australian Open for the first time on Sunday.

He told waiting journalists that he would nominate his vanquished opponent, Federer for this year's Prince of Asturias Sports Prize, saying that Federer was 'a great candidate and he deserves it', although he addded that there were 'other candidates who deserve it too'.

'Federer is an exceptional tennis player and an exceptional person,' said Nadal.  'I've won the prize', he continued, 'and of course I would like it to go to a fellow tennis player and a great friend at that'.  Nadal went on to say that he wished Federer 'all the luck in the world to achieve his 14th Grand Slam title and equal Sampras' record' adding that he felt sure his friend would do it.

Despite arriving back extremely tired and keen to get home, Nadal had time to sign autographs for the crowds of fans waiting at Palma airport and agreed with them that he had had 'a dream start' to his 2009 season. 

Nadal's immediate plans are to have a few days off at home in Mallorca to take the excitement of Melbourne in and then to play in Rotterdam next week.