Roger Federer has once again shown how strong his bond with Rafael Nadal remains, over two decades after their first duel. The Swiss Maestro spoke about the idea of reviving their legendary rivalry in a new setting.
Ahead of the Laver Cup in San Francisco, the 20-time Major champion admitted he would love to share the court with Nadal again, this time in a relaxed format outside the ATP Tour, where they fought for 15 years.
Roger has been training more in recent weeks, playing for a couple of hours in Los Angeles lately. The 44-year-old has stayed in shape and fueled speculations about potential exhibition appearances.
A "Fedal Tour" would be natural continuation of of tennis' most iconic rivalries that brought millions of fans to our sport. Their clashes defined an era between 2004 and 2019, with plenty memorable duels and high-quality battles.
Together, they contested unforgettable Major and Masters 1000 finals, with their contrasting styles and personalities captivating fans across the globe. Roger has visited Mallorca several times in recent years, reuniting with his great friend and rival.
The Swiss also attended the Spaniard's farewell ceremony at Roland Garros this May alongside Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Thoese encounters highlighted his warm personal relationship with Rafa beyond the court.
Nadal has not played since his retirement in November last year at the Davis Cup Finals, focusing on his family. However, the 22-time Major winner has openly expressed a desire to face his greatest rivals in some relaxed form in the future.
Such a project would not only celebrate their historic encountersbut also offer fans a chance to relive a rivalry that shaped modern tennis. It would also provide an opportunity for the new tennis lovers to get a picture of battles that shaped up the modern game.
The idea of a "Fedal Tour" might not be too far from reality. Nadal could not reject Federer's call to play alongside him at the 2022 Laver Cup despite being injured.
Another call from his great friend would make him reconsider his decision to step aside from the tennis court.
"Yes, why not? I love Rafa. I have been playing a lot lately, so I'm trying to stay in shape. I know Rafa is also fully committed to playing tennis, although the "senior tour" concept sounds awful to us.
But yes, maybe we could create a circuit, a sort of "Fedal Tour," Roger Federer said.
