Rafael Nadal was last seen in action at the Paris Olympics. He skipped the US Open due to fitness concerns and after that, he also withdrew his name from the Laver Cup. Everyone initially thought that he’d hang up his racquet in a similar way to his long-time rival, Roger Federer at the iconic tournament, but that isn’t the case anymore. Nadal has played just 17 matches this season! Is his retirement closer to what we have been thinking in the last few months? Well, let’s see what his good friend and former rival, Roger Federer thinks about this.
If things go right, we could see the Spaniard back on the court at the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh which will be held from October 16 to 19. Rafael Nadal previously admitted, “Mentally I’m good, no problems. I’m at home, enjoying other things, training as much as I can every day.” So, we can make a guess from here that his hunger to step onto the court is well alive. However, despite stating, retirement can make you feel “like an alien” in tennis, Federer advised Nadal that, “Time is gnawing at you. In the end, it might be helpful to make a decision at some point. And when it’s all over, you can just relax and say: oh, luckily no more training, luckily no more matches.”
Although the Swiss was a bit disappointed in missing out on the chance to witness Rafa at this year’s Laver Cup, he said he’d be more than happy if Nadal makes it to another season. Roger Federer added, “He sounds good. I think he just has to decide now how to proceed and I think that’s the time he’s going through at the moment. He has done everything for the sport. It would be phenomenal if he could add another season, but only Rafa himself can answer that.” Even during a previous interview, Federer said that it’s a bit hard for him to make a prediction about Rafa because of the little tennis he has played this year.
So, although Rafael Nadal has yet to confirm his retirement plans, Federer hopes he’ll be able to bow out on his own terms just like the way he did in September 2022. Earlier this year, Roger Federer gave an interview to Today Show and over there he explained how he felt sorry for the Spaniard for missing out on the opportunity to win an Olympic medal for his nation in Paris.
Despite stating that all he wants now is to enjoy the sport, an automatic pressure pops up in the middle of expectations whenever this 22-time Grand Slam champion steps onto the courts. Previously, we saw Rafael Nadal responding to the call of Roger Federer to attend his farewell match. Can we expect the same from the Swiss in Nadal’s farewell match?
Rafael Nadal shared the impact of Roger Federer’s retirement on his own life
In a heartwarming moment from the 2022 Laver Cup, we saw both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal holding each other’s hands and crying inconsolably during the former’s farewell event. Later on, while speaking about that moment, Nadal said, “First of all [I was] emotional because probably the most elegant player that I ever seen left the tour. Second, as I said before, a part of my life left with him, but that thought never pushed me to any retirement.” He further added, “What put me in a position to be close to retirement is my body more than anything else because in my mind is healthy in terms of passion for what I’m doing.”
Nadal was one of the first people outside Roger Federer’s family and team to learn about his retirement. He simply asked Nadal, “‘Hey Rafa, just before you make any other plans, I would love you to be at the Laver Cup and play maybe one last doubles with me. It would be amazing.’” And then without a single bit of hesitation, Rafa assured him, “‘Okay, oh my god, okay, yeah I will be there whatever it takes.’” That’s how strong the bond has become between the two! Can we expect Roger Federer’s magical presence at Rafael Nadal’s farewell match?
Well, why not? Previously we heard him say, “I don’t think we’ll play doubles together at the Laver Cup, but if he asks me, I’ll definitely be there.” Although, with Nadal’s withdrawal fans got deprived from witnessing this magical moment, but who knows we might well see them together once again in a different competition. One thing is for sure, Roger Federer would be more than happy to attend Rafael Nadal’s farewell match! Share your thoughts on this unique bonding in the middle of two fierce rivals in the tennis world.
