Back in the day we couldn’t stand each other probably for that. He’s a great man. I wish he can come back one more time, but he has shown the tennis world and the fans how good he is.”
Though the rivalrous intensity may have mellowed, Nadal, 38, who had the upper hand with 24 wins in their 40 matches by the time Federer stepped away from the sport, hasn’t conceded that they’ve moved beyond competitors to companions.
In an early 2024 interview on El Objetivo de La Sexta, Nadal opened up about his complex relationship with Federer, admitting that while they aren’t exactly “friends,” their bond has grown over the years, reports the Mirror.
He explained: “I wouldn’t consider him a friend.
But someone familiar, with whom I have a great relationship.”
Djokovic himself has acknowledged that he doesn’t see his legendary counterparts as “friendship” in the traditional sense, underscoring the intense competitive spirit which both demands respect and defines these champions.
Their tearful reactions to Federer’s farewell hinted at a deep-seated camaraderie.
Yet, for Nadal, this poignant moment may have signified more the end of their storied rivalry than the loss of a friendship.
Novak Djokovic remains the sole active competitor from the famed ‘Big Three,’ having surpassed both Nadal and Federer with a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles.
