Roger Federer recently expressed sympathy for his long-time rival Rafael Nadal as Nadal continues to struggle with injuries. In various interviews, Federer acknowledged that he “felt a little bit sorry” for Nadal, who has faced numerous physical challenges, particularly during the summer of 2024. Nadal’s early exits from key tournaments, including the French Open and the Paris Olympics, were difficult for both him and his fans to witness. Federer, who retired in 2022, hopes that Nadal can return to competitive tennis on his own terms, emphasizing the importance of leaving the sport in a manner that suits him best.
Federer also mentioned that Nadal remains a significant figure in tennis, regardless of whether he continues to play at the highest level. He recalled their recent conversation where Nadal shared his frustrations about not being able to compete fully due to injuries. Federer expressed optimism, hoping that Nadal will recover and continue to enjoy his final days on the court. However, Federer also hinted at the possibility that Nadal may soon retire, a decision that Nadal has hinted at but not fully confirmed.
In reflecting on their rivalry, Federer expressed admiration for Nadal’s accomplishments and resilience, noting that the Spanish star’s contributions to tennis have been extraordinary. Despite Nadal’s setbacks, Federer remains hopeful that his friend and rival will be able to exit the sport on his own terms, much like Federer did two years ago.