Fans were given an exciting update about Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer playing exhibitions by the Spaniard’s uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal.
Federer was reunited with his great rival during Nadal’s emotional ceremony at Roland Garros. The 14-time champion in Paris’ footprint was left on the court to mark his being the most successful player in the event’s history.
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray also joined Nadal for the ceremony. The former ATP world No. 1 winner made touching comments about Federer, Djokovic, and Murray’s impact on him.
Although Nadal shared a special rivalry with Djokovic that included some of the greatest matches in tennis history, he is known to be closer off the court to Federer. The pair played doubles at the 2022 Laver Cup in Federer’s final appearance before retirement.
Toni’s words after Nadal’s ceremony at Roland Garros indicate the pair are likely to collaborate again. He expects his nephew to start training again soon to be ready to play exhibitions alongside Federer.
“I know him [Rafa] well enough to know that he is excited about the idea of playing exhibition matches with Federer. Tennis has been vital in his life and that cannot be erased overnight. I have no knowledge of the specifics, but I am convinced that he will. Probably, in the coming months or in 2026, he will train hard again to be ready for these exhibitions.””
Nadal has openly admitted to not picking up a racket since retiring in November at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals. That is a radical change for a man who played for so many years, including fighting back from so many injuries.
Federer and Nadal’s final match was in the semifinals of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships. It was their first meeting at SW19 since the 2008 final, won by Nadal, considered by some to be the greatest match in tennis history.
The Swiss maestro defeated Nadal in four sets in what turned out to be their last professional meeting as opponents. A few weeks earlier, the Spaniard overcame Federer in straight sets in the 2019 French Open semifinal.
Novak Djokovic has objectively overtaken Federer and Nadal as the most statistically successful player ever. However, many continue to hold them in higher esteem than the Serbian because of their conduct on and off the court.
Toni Nadal caused a stir by saying that Federer and Nadal are more respected than Djokovic because of how they have carried themselves over the years. Many deemed this harsh on Djokovic, who has also been an outstanding ambassador for tennis.
Being on court for Nadal’s ceremony made Djokovic think about retirement. The 38-year-old wants to keep competing while he feels winning Grand Slams is possible, but knows that the day when he hangs up his racket is coming sometime in the next few years.
Djokovic’s legendary status meant some were unhappy to see him play on Court Suzanne Lenglen instead of Court Philippe-Chatrier for his second-round match at Roland Garros. But the 24-time Grand Slam champion did not mind and enjoyed the atmosphere on the court.
