“I spoke to him just last week. He wanted to ask me something, we talked and I felt a little sorry for him – that his summer didn’t go as well as planned,” Federer said.
It is obvious that Nadal is no longer performing at the same level as he was five or ten years ago. Nevertheless, the Swiss believes that his old rival had something in mind in the summer: “I think he was hoping for a medal,” said the 43-year-old.
It is currently unclear whether arguably the best clay court player of all time will have entered Roland Garros as an active player for the last time this year. Federer – who ended his career in 2022 – is happy for Nadal to be able to choose when he ends his career.
“By and large, he can do whatever he wants. He was one of the most iconic players we’ve ever had in our sport and I told him that. So I hope he can go the way he wants. He’s a great guy and had a great career,” Federer said of the man who, along with him and Novak Djokovic, shaped an era in tennis.
Will Nadal stay for another year?
At least it’s not over for Nadal yet – from September 20th to 22nd, the Spaniard will be taking part in the Laver Cup for Team Europe in Berlin.
Even Roger Federer probably doesn’t know what will happen next.
Looking forward to the semi-final duel: Sinner expects a “tough match”
