Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are two of the sport’s greatest competitors, and now, their transcendent rivalry has melted into a heartwarming friendship.
Fans flock to see the two together, whenever that is possible, as two players who previously competed relentlessly for elite honours now share stories about such events.
In fact, mid-way through the US Open, which Rafael Nadal actually opted to skip, Roger Federer has revealed a conversation he had with his friend that actually made him briefly pity him.
Roger Federer reveals Rafael Nadal conversation
Speaking on NBC’s Today Show, just days after Rafael Nadal admitted he was convinced Carlos Alcaraz would become an all-time great, Federer has appeared to discuss all things tennis.
When this Swiss superstar emerges from the shadows, the tennis world stands up and takes notice, as one of its most revered figures.
And, encapsulated in his greatness is the relationship shared with the 37-year-old, which has been enjoyed by fans for some time.
Federer has since revealed a recent conversation shared between the two, which invoked all those old emotions.
He claimed: ‘I actually just spoke to him this last week. He wanted to ask me something, and we had a chat, and, I felt a little bit sorry for him.
‘That his summer didn’t go as well as planned because, at the French Open he had a tough draw. Olympics, he had a tough draw as well.
‘He was hoping, I think, to get a medal. But you know, overall he can do whatever he wants. He’s been one of the most iconic tennis players we have ever had in our sport and that’s what I told him. So I just hope he can go out on his terms and the way he wants to, but he’s a great guy, great career.’
When will we see Rafael Nadal back on court?
The last we saw of Nadal naturally came at the Olympics, and since then, he has enjoyed a well-earned rest.
After all, going out early in the singles draw to Novak Djokovic allowed him to fully focus on the men’s doubles, where he and Carlos Alcaraz captured the imagination before their eventual exit too.
But, before even that, his last appearance on the ATP tour saw him reach the final in Bastad, beating Mariano Navone and Cam Norrie on his way.
Losing to Nuno Borges, it still showcased his ability to keep competing at the highest level.
And so, with that in mind, his next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin, where many are suggesting he could well retire, following in Federer’s footsteps.
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