Roger Federer has explained why he feels sorry for Rafael Nadal after speaking to the Spaniard about his impending retirement. Nadal is widely expected to hang up his racket in the near future, having previously suggested that he would stop playing before the end of 2024.
The 38-year-old is not competing at the US Open despite initially appearing on the entry list when it was announced last month. He opted to skip the event after recognising that he would not be able to perform at his best following a hectic summer schedule.
Nadal is yet to confirm his retirement plans but Federer hopes he will be able to bow out on his own terms. The Swiss icon, who brought the curtain down on his career two years ago, revealed on the Today Show that he has privately discussed the topic with his former rival.
Federer also explained that he felt sorry for Nadal after he failed to win an Olympic medal despite competing in both singles and doubles. He was also dumped out of the French Open in the first round after being handed a tricky draw against Alexander Zverev.
“I actually just spoke to him this last week,” said Federer. “He wanted to ask me something and we had a chat. 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. 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.
“I just hope he can go out on his terms and the way he wants to, but he’s a great guy, great career.”
Nadal has already confirmed that he will be playing at the Laver Cup but is yet to reveal what his future will look like after that. Earlier this week, he suggested that he could keep playing into next year with the aim of competing at the French Open one last time.
Asked if he was looking to play at Roland Garros again before he retires, Nadal said: “It’s an option. Right now the goals are over and I’m giving myself time. I’m enjoying training and other things in life.
“I understand that I’m retiring. It’s been a long time. I’ve had a lot of physical problems and the question is normal. There comes a time when I can’t live with [the idea of] retirement, because otherwise you don’t finish trying.
“I’ve given myself some time to enjoy tennis after a year and a half off the court and that’s what I’m doing, enjoying the day to day.”
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