Roger Federer would consider coming out of retirement to break a record he holds with rival Rafael Nadal, the tennis icon’s agent has revealed. The 20-times Grand Slam champion retired in 2022 but fans have been desperate for him to appear on the court one last time.

Federer has kept a low profile in retirement but Tony Godsick insists his former client would pick up a racket again for an epic rematch with Nadal. In 2020, the duo broke the attendance record for a tennis match with an exhibition event in South Africa.

The bout drew a staggering 51,000 spectators and raised nearly £3million for for children’s educational causes in Africa. Federer will supposedly consider a temporary return to tennis to participate in a similar event.

“Since Roger Federer retired he hasn’t wanted to play another match as long as he doesn’t feel physically well. To my mind comes the record of spectators that they beat in South Africa,” Godsick said.

“We like to do big things. If there is an option to beat that one day, I’m sure Roger will consider it.

“They both like to collaborate and I like working with [Nadal’s agent] Carlos Costa. I have very good memories. We did the half-grass, half-earth exhibition in Mallorca. Anything is possible in the future.”

Federer has not played since competing in the 2022 Laver Cup alongside Nadal, a long-term rival on the court but also a close friend. But in June, the 42-year-old said he would happily accept a doubles invitation from the Spaniard to reunite at the Laver Cup.

He said: “I don’t think we’ll play doubles together at the Laver Cup, but if he asks me, I’ll definitely be there.”

Speaking at the end of 2023, Federer insisted that coming out of retirement to play on the professional tour was not an option.

“When you know the knee doesn’t allow you to play at this level, the mind doesn’t even go there that I could be on court right now,” he said. “So you just enjoy tennis for what it is, and I follow results almost daily, I like to see what is going on out there.”

Federer added: “It’s not even a thought. I had a great time but I dive back in. I go with the flow and I like that no day is ever the same so it is great.”