In a recent conversation with his longtime friend and former rival Rafael Nadal, Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer discussed the possibility of the Spaniard’s retirement. Federer, known for his sportsmanship both on and off the court, shared his thoughts on Nadal potentially ending his illustrious career.
“Rafa is a good guy, he’s had a great career. Overall he can do what he wants to do, he’s been one of the most iconic tennis players we’ve ever had in our sport and that’s what I told him. So I just hope he can go out on his own terms and the way he wants to go out, but he’s a good guy, he’s had a great career,” Federer expressed during an interview with Today.
The bond between Federer and Nadal has stood the test of time, with both players showing immense respect and admiration for each other. The Swiss maestro revealed, “I actually spoke to him just last week. He wanted to ask me something, we had a chat and I felt a little sorry for him.”
Nadal, who recently missed the US Open in New York, is set to play in the upcoming Laver Cup. However, he has not officially announced a date for his retirement. Federer commented on this uncertainty, saying, “It’s up to him to decide how he wants to do it. I don’t have any information about it and I hope that, in fact, he will play much longer than we think. But it’s his body, as he says in all honesty.”
As the tennis world eagerly awaits a decision from Nadal regarding his future in the sport, Federer continues to offer his unwavering support and friendship to his esteemed colleague. The legacy left by these two legends of the game is sure to endure for generations to come.