Rafael Nadal was right beside Roger Federer when he retired from professional tennis two years ago. But the Spaniard has conceded that his former rival may not be there for his own farewell at the Davis Cup this week.
Federer and Nadal enjoyed a long and gripping rivalry both as the two dominant forces in men’s tennis, and after Novak Djokovic arrived on the scene to make it the ‘Big Three’. Despite the tense battles on court, the pair have huge respect for one another, and they sobbed alongside each other after Federer’s final match at the 2022 Laver Cup.
The tennis world was touched by the sight of Federer bowing out while sitting beside his greatest rival. Nadal will follow the Swiss into retirement after this week’s Davis Cup, but Federer may not be in Malaga to pay tribute.
“It’s a different situation,” said Nadal in his pre-tournament press conference. “I was there to play. There, we were team-mates. Here, we are a Spanish team.
“I didn’t talk to Roger. I think Roger has a busy schedule. By the way, of course it’s going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don’t think it’s going to be my last goodbye. So there is going to be another chances to do something.”
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