Roger Federer has revealed he wants to reunite with Rafael Nadal on court – and has even floated the idea of a “Fedal Tour” to bring their iconic rivalry back to life.
The Swiss legend, who retired from professional tennis at the 2022 Laver Cup after an emotional farewell alongside Nadal in doubles, says he still plays regularly and is eager to create new opportunities to entertain fans with his long-time rival.
Speaking to CNBC ahead of this weekend’s Laver Cup in San Francisco, the 20-time Grand Slam champion said: “Yeah, why not? I love Rafa.
"I played four hours of tennis the other day here in San Francisco, and then LA also another hour and a half before that.
"So I've been playing a lot so I'm trying to keep in good shape.”
Nadal, who followed Federer into retirement last year after a farewell appearance at the Davis Cup Finals, has not yet picked up a racket since stepping away from the game.
But Federer hinted the Spaniard is open to the idea of a reunion.
“I know that Rafa is also totally open to maybe play some tennis,” Federer continued.
JUST IN: Wayne Rooney reveals he locked wife Coleen Rooney out of their family home after flag row
Roger Federer has revealed he wants to reunite with Rafael Nadal on court – and has even floated the idea of a “Fedal Tour” to bring their iconic rivalry back to life
|PA
“It sounds terrible, seniors tennis, to us, but maybe we can create a tour, like a Fedal tour or something like that. I mean, it would be cool.”
Federer admitted that the prospect of showcasing past greats was one of the motivations behind creating the Laver Cup in the first place.
“That’s also one of the reasons I actually did start the Laver Cup – to shine a light on the past greats of the game,” he added.
“We’ve had a little bit of a seniors tour before, I think it was called the Champions Tour at the time.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
"It did exist, but I think there is a lot of appetite for seeing past champions in tennis, so I can maybe look into that as well.”
Federer and Nadal’s rivalry defined a generation, with the pair facing off 40 times across their careers, including in some of the sport’s most memorable matches – from the epic 2008 Wimbledon final to countless battles at Roland Garros.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced off 40 times during their tennis careers
|PA
Their enduring friendship has only grown since retirement, with the pair recently reuniting for a tribute ceremony for Nadal at this year’s French Open and even enjoying rounds of golf together.
For now, Federer’s attention is focused on the eighth edition of the Laver Cup, which begins this weekend at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
The event has a fresh look this year with new captains taking the helm for both sides – Yannick Noah and Tim Henman will lead Team Europe, while Andre Agassi and Pat Rafter take charge of Team World.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal remain good friends
|PA
Fans hoping for another glimpse of Federer and Nadal sharing the same court may not have to wait too long if the Swiss maestro’s latest comments are anything to go by.