Rafael Nadal has explained why he doesn’t consider Roger Federer a friend despite being central to the Swiss maestro’s emotional farewell from the sport. Federer, 42, retired after the Laver Cup in September 2022, having won 20 Grand Slam titles and been long-cemented as an all-time great.
Both Nadal and Novak Djokovic have since surpassed Federer’s number of Slam wins, amid much debate over who deserves to be labelled the greatest male player in history. But regardless, the rivalry between the Spaniard and the Swiss star during their peak years remains iconic, and the pair have long voiced their mutual respect for one another.
Federer’s final bow came in a doubles match alongside Nadal, although the European pair were beaten in a tie-break decider by Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Afterwards, the ‘King of Clay’ was visibly struggling with his emotions, breaking down in tears as his partner waved goodbye to the crowd.
However, in an interview with El Objectve de La Sexta, Nadal has explained that despite his admiration for Federer, the pair are not too close on a friendship level. “I wouldn’t consider him a friend,” he said. “But someone familiar, with whom I have a great relationship.”
