Roger Federer is one of, if not the most well-liked figures in tennis history.
A cool, calm and collected presence who exuded class both on and off the court, since his retirement in 2022 the sport has not quite been the same.
It marked the beginning of the end for the Big Three, despite Novak Djokovic’s stunning 2023; a notion exemplified by the fact that none of the four Grand Slams were won by any of this legendary trio throughout this year.
However, it is not the pursuit of further glory that could tempt Roger Federer back out of retirement, apparently, but instead the chance to play one more match with one specific person.
Roger Federer considers coming out of retirement
Speaking to Marca, as the Laver Cup built to a dramatic conclusion, Tony Godsick was quizzed about Federer, the man responsible for the conception of this dramatic weekend event.
And, whilst many have emerged to laud the tournament for bringing together some of the world’s best players in such a unique format, the particular topic of conversation within this interview related to whether the Swiss superstar, widely recognised as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, would even consider coming out of retirement.
Having called time on his career at the Laver Cup in 2022, it felt like a fitting tribute despite his Team Europe side falling to defeat.
Naturally, the weekend was dominated by the doubles pairing between Rafael Nadal and Federer.
Well, the interviewer seemed to reference this, as they asked Federer’s agent: ‘Since the new Santiago Bernabéu was built, there have been many rumours about the possibility of Nadal and Federer playing an exhibition match. Is this a real option?’
Godsick replied: ‘Since Roger retired, he has not wanted to play another match until he feels physically fit.
‘I think of the record number of spectators they set in South Africa. We like to do great things. If there is the option of beating that record one day, I am sure Roger will consider it.’
It’s ironic that Carlos Alcaraz has been likened to Federer and Novak Djokovic by Andy Roddick, when the Spaniard is one of two to have filled this power vacuum.
The tennis world would stop to watch Roger Federer play Rafael Nadal again
If this match were to be organised, even if it was a jovial exhibition event, realistically the tennis world would come to a standstill to watch it.
After all, these two have already shattered records with their shared presence on the court in other exhibition matches in the past.
Few could forget their infamous ‘Battle of Surfaces’, playing on a court that was half grass and half clay that cost a reported $1.63m to make.
Then, 13 years later the two took to the stage again in South Africa, impressing a 51,000 crowd in a clash dubbed the ‘Match for Africa’.
However, were they to face off in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the home of Real Madrid, the club Nadal supports, that record-breaking attendance would instantly be shattered.
After all, with its recent makeover the arena can now hold up to 85,000.
What an incentive this would be, to tempt Federer out of retirement for one last match…
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