Rafael Nadal called time on his iconic tennis career earlier this month, and has now given his true thoughts on his relationship with long-tim
Rafael Nadal has retracted his previous statement where he suggested that Roger Federer wasn’t a friend just months on.
The two tennis legends, who faced each other 40 times, share what many consider the greatest rivalry in the history of the sport. From their early days as young competitors to becoming veterans, their relationship evolved into a deep mutual respect.
e rival Roger Federer
This was evident when they were seen holding hands, struggling to hold back tears at the 2022 Laver Cup – a tournament where they played doubles together, marking Federer’s retirement from professional tennis.
Following Nadal’s own departure from the sport earlier this month, Federer’s touching tribute to his one-time adversary was lauded by fans and players alike. Having ascended to unprecedented heights, the pair have maintained their bond post-retirement, recently appearing together in a Louis Vuitton campaign titled ‘A Legendary Journey to the Top’
The 38-year-old Nadal spoke fondly of participating in the campaign with Federer, whom he now considers a “close friend”. He said: “I’m very proud to be part of it, and especially to share it with Roger, who was my great rival and now is a close friend.
“In my career, I achieved more than I ever dreamt of. So at the end of the day, the legacy in terms of human beings is the most important value.”
Nadal’s recent expression of camaraderie towards Federer marks a stark contrast to his comments just three months prior on El Objetivo de La Sexta, where he made the startling admission: “I wouldn’t consider him a friend. But someone familiar, with whom I have a great relationship.”
This revelation from Nadal has likely healed some wounds among fans who believed that the two titans of tennis weren’t actually friends. In August 2023, Federer, 43, reflected on their storied rivalry and the emotions it stirred, stating: “We started respecting the rivalry, we almost miss it, playing each other every weekend.
“Back in the day we couldn’t stand each other probably for that. He’s a great man. I wish he can come back one more time, but he has shown the tennis world and the fans how good he is.”
After their recent joint endeavour, Federer described sharing the stage with Nadal once again as a “unique opportunity”. He elaborated: “The fact that we were the greatest rivals and now, at the end of our careers, we are alongside each other has been very gratifying.
“Being at the top of the Dolomites feels symbolic in many ways. It really captures what this moment means to us something truly special and meaningful.”