After partnering with Rafael Nadal, his longtime opponent, in the Laver Cup, Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis in September 2022.
Rafael Nadal has stated why he does not consider Roger Federer a friend, despite being essential to the Swiss maestro’s emotional departure from the sport. Following the Laver Cup in September 2022, the 42-year-old Federer announced his retirement, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players of all time with 20 Grand Slam wins.
Although there is still much disagreement over who is the best male player in history, both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have already eclipsed Roger Federer in terms of Slam victories. Nevertheless, the rivalry between the Spanish player and the Swiss celebrity during their prime years is still remembered, and both have acknowledged their appreciation for one another for a long time.
Federer made his farewell appearance in a doubles match with Rafael Nadal, but Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock defeated the European duo in a tie-break final. After then, when his companion waved goodbye to the crowd, the “King of Clay” broke down in tears, clearly battling with his feelings.
Nevertheless, Nadal clarified in an interview with El Objectve de La Sexta that although he admires Federer, the two are not particularly close friends. He declared, “I wouldn’t consider him a friend.” “But someone I know well and get along well with.”
The 37-year-old, who hasn’t participated in a Grand Slam since the Australian Open of 2023, also acknowledged that his previous matches with the other former world No. 1 player helped to elevate both players. “Most of our careers have been shared by us. We have supported one another,” he continued.
We have also gained a great deal. Because we were aware that we could not fail, we were able to reach a degree of self-demand that is hard to duplicate. We were pushed to our limits by the competition.”
Up until August 2009, Federer and Nadal had a reign of supremacy as the top two players on the ATP Tour, until Djokovic broke through. Additionally, they are the only two male athletes who have ever placed in the top two spots for six straight calendar years.
However, in terms of their head-to-head record, Nadal is superior. He defeated Federer 24 times in 40 matches, and he also won 10 of their 14 Grand Slam encounters.
In what is perhaps the most well-known match between the two, the 2008 Wimbledon final, Nadal emerged victorious. He won the deciding set 9–7 to win his maiden SW19 title in a match that went on for a then-record four hours and forty-eight minutes.
