After Federer, now Rafael Nadal expresses interest in playing exhibition matches against old rival
(Courtesy : @RafaelNadal/Twitter)
Federer has earlier spoken about playing Nadal to raise money for a cause or for charity.
Rafael Nadal is open to the prospect of reuniting with his old rival and friend, Roger Federer, in an exhibition match a year into his retirement. The Mallorcan steered clear of committing to a possible date for the anticipated clash between the two legends.
Nadal clarified that if an opportunity arose, he would make himself available.
Nadal and Federer last crossed paths on the ATP Tour in 2019. They clashed twice that year, with the Spaniard defeating Federer in the French Open semi-finals. The Swiss great repaid the favour at Wimbledon in the last four.
Also Read: ‘Would be great’ – Roger Federer talks about facing Rafael Nadal in exhibition match
Federer caught up with Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor, Spain, in July. The Swiss maestro retired in 2022, while the Spaniard hung up his racquet in 2024.
They met 40 times across their epic careers, with Nadal in the driver’s seat at 24-16 in their head-to-head by the time the curtains descended on their rivalry.
Their first face-off took place at the ATP Masters 1000 Miami, which Nadal won, 6-3, 6-3. The duo met in Grand Slam finals on 14 occasions.
The idea of a reunion was first floated earlier in May by Rafael Nadal’s former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal. The senior Nadal, speaking on his nephew’s behalf, proclaimed that the 22-time Grand Slam winner would welcome the idea of taking on Roger Federer in an exhibition match.
Roger Federer and his agent, Tony Godsick, contributed to the buzz in September this year when Godsick disclosed that they were in talks with Nadal about the possibility of a reunion.
An induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame awaits Federer in 2026 after he edged out the other two contenders, Juan Martin del Potro and Svetlana Kuznetsova, for the honour.
Federer recently picked up the tennis racquet when he played an exhibition match at the Shanghai Masters in October. The Swiss icon teamed up with actor Donnie Yen to take on actor Wu Lei and former WTA star Zheng Jie.
Nadal took to court earlier this month at the Rafa Nadal Academy for a practice session with WTA player Alex Eala. The Spanish great was bestowed with the inaugural Dimoni d’Honor by RCD Mallorca in recognition of his contribution to society, an award reserved for Balearic Islanders.
What did Rafael Nadal say about playing Roger Federer in exhibition matches?
Nadal said that if an opportunity arises, he’ll make himself available.
What did Roger Federer say about playing Rafael Nadal in exhibition matches?
Federer had earlier floated the idea about playing Nadal in exhibition matches for charity or to raise for a cause.
When did Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer last meet on the ATP Tour?
They last faced each other in 2019, splitting two matches: Nadal won at the French Open, and Federer won at Wimbledon.
When did Federer and Nadal retire?
Federer retired in 2022, and Nadal retired in 2024.
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Meet Fazeel—a bibliophile and sci-fi aficionado who devours books and movies alike. His favorite form of exercise? Watching tennis from a perfectly positioned couch. Whether he's lost in a gripping novel or absorbed in a five-hour Grand Slam final, he's all in. Favorite quote: “You cannot be serious” – John McEnroe.