Roger Federer recently spoke about Rafael Nadal, who was his top rival early in his career but later also a very good friend.
Nadal's 2024 season can be described as stop-and-go, as that's what he has been doing for much of it. The Spaniard made a couple of comeback attempts, some more successful than others.
Overall, it wasn’t the best year, but he was also quite unlucky with the draws. Some minor injury setbacks derailed what could have been a fruitful year, as did some bad draws.
Drawing Alexander Zverev in the opening round of the Roland Garros wasn’t ideal, and neither was getting Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Paris Olympics.
Had he gotten easier draws, he likely could have won at least a couple more matches, which could have made his year much more interesting. Speaking about his former rival during appearance on 'Today', Federer admitted that he felt a bit sorry about how things unfolded.
He knows best how things can go sometimes, as his own comeback attempt failed, and he also admitted that he talked to the Spaniard.
"I actually just spoke to him this last week. He wanted to ask me something, and we had a chat, and, I felt a little bit sorry for him. That his summer didn’t go as well as planned because, at the French Open he had a tough draw. Olympics, he had a tough draw as well. He was hoping, I think, to get a medal."
Nobody, including Federer, really knows what's next for Nadal. Many assume that Nadal will likely retire sooner or later, but to Federer, that is not the important part. Whatever Nadal decides to do is his right because he's earned the right to do whatever he wants.
If he wants to keep playing, the sport will be happy to have him. If he decides to retire, his career will be celebrated by everyone on the ATP Tour. Federer called him one of the most iconic tennis players ever, and such would be his retirement.
"But you know, overall he can do whatever he wants. He’s been one of the most iconic tennis players we have ever had in our sport and that’s what I told him. So I just hope he can go out on his terms and the way he wants to, but he’s a great guy, great career."
The bond between them has been strong for many years, and it's a fascinating relationship. They started as bitter rivals who became friends and are now very close. They probably didn't see it happening either, but yet it happened.
Federer's Laver Cup retirement ceremony hit Nadal very hard, and he shed tears. It confirmed how close they have gotten over the years, and it was beautiful. One of the most iconic sports rivalries happened between players who set aside their rivalry to become great friends.
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