Roger Federer has made his feelings on Rafael Nadal clear (Image: ESPN)
The tennis world has long been captivated by the epic rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, a clash of titans that defined an era. But off the court, whispers about their relationship have swirled, with some questioning whether mutual respect ever blossomed into true friendship. Now, with both men retired, Federer has made his feelings crystal clear with a bold, heartfelt proposal that’s turning heads.
The Swiss maestro, who retired his racket in 2022, was spotted at the Masters last week, soaking in the atmosphere at Augusta National. While chatting to ESPN’s John Sutcliffe among the azaleas, Federer revealed he’d been taking golf lessons. He was then asked if he’d fancy a round against Nadal – himself an avid golfer – but the 20-time Grand Slam champion suggested a heartwarming alternative. “We should play together,” the 43-year-old said with a laugh. “I think we’ve played enough against each other.”
The words landed like a perfectly placed drop shot. After years of trading blows with Nadal, Federer’s vision for their next chapter isn’t competition but camaraderie.
His comment is likely to dispel any lingering notion that the pair are on anything but friendly terms. In November last year, Nadal claimed he “wouldn’t consider Federer a friend”. The Spaniard later walked back the assertion, insisting a few weeks later Roger was a “close friend” of his.
Federer’s proposal to tee off together appears not only to confirm that but also suggests a genuine desire to share new moments with his on-court rival.
Federer has poured cold water on the idea that he and Nadal aren’t friends (Image: Getty)
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Federer’s Augusta musings weren’t all about Nadal. Reflecting on his tennis career, he offered a gem of wisdom when asked how he thrived under Grand Slam pressure. “Simplify it,” he advised. “Go shot by shot. You can’t climb Everest in an hour.”
It’s a mindset that carried him to 103 titles – more than Nadal’s 92 – and one he’s now applying to golf, a sport he admits humbles him. “I can finally appreciate the difficulty,” he said. “I took my first golf lessons a year and a half ago, and there I go, progressing little by little.”
The Augusta fairways, he noted, reminded him of Wimbledon – a place where he and Nadal crafted some of their fiercest and finest memories. Nadal played his final match at the Davis Cup in November last year, retiring with 22 Grand Slam titles – a tally bettered only by Novak Djokovic (24).
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Rafa Nadal is a keen golfer (Image: Getty)
The 38-year-old has often spoken warmly of Federer, famously tearing up during the Swiss star’s farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup. The duo faced each other 40 times over the course of their illustrious careers. Nine of those encounters took place in Grand Slam finals, with Nadal edging Federer with six wins to three.
Their rivalry, while intense, was always underpinned by admiration – a dynamic Federer’s golfing suggestion only reinforces. Whether they’ll actually stride Augusta’s fairways together remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Federer and Nadal’s story isn’t over – it’s just changing arenas.
