"Don't make me look ridiculous out there": Rafael Nadal jokes about needing time before facing Federer again

Rafael Nadal received the AS Leyenda award in Madrid over the weekend, and once again offered a rare window into his current mindset—between humour, realism, and a deep sense of perspective. The 22-time Grand Slam champion reflected on his physical condition, his relationship with Roger Federer, and the possibility of sharing a court with him again in some form.

The Spaniard did not shy away from the obvious: while Federer has been retired for more than two years, Nadal’s time away from the courts has been defined by physical stops and starts, rather than a clean farewell. He clarified that, despite constant speculation, the door to a future exhibition remains open—if circumstances allow him to compete without feeling out of place. Nadal’s respect and affection for Federer remained evident throughout his comments.

In discussing his own limitations, Nadal acknowledged the imbalance between their current levels of preparation. Federer, he noted, has been practising regularly for months, whereas Nadal’s training has been minimal. This led to a moment of humour between the two, according to Nadal, who stressed that for anything public to happen, he would at least need a chance to prepare properly. Still, he maintained that something between them will “eventually” materialise if it’s enjoyable for both.

Nadal also took time to reflect on his broader relationship with tennis, fame, and personal identity. Reflecting on how he faces difficult moments, Nadal downplayed any notion of personal heroism. He emphasized that his success comes from effort, not self-perception: “I’ve only played tennis; I haven't invented anything in this world,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion said. “I try not to lose perspective on this, I think I never have. I’ve never felt more special than that. Yes, the results say that on a tennis court I have been notable, but outside of it, I am a normal, ordinary person. This is the reality.”

Nadal acknowledged that conversations about sharing the court with Federer again are ongoing, but always informal. He praised the quality of their friendship and reiterated that the idea remains possible: “In terms of possibility, it can happen. You never know. I maintain a very good relationship with Roger; we talk regularly. I think something will come out at some point. He’s been out for longer, and I, in a year, have literally played 45 minutes one day and 45 minutes another, to be honest. To get back on a court and not be a disaster, I would need a bit of time.”

When asked who would win if an exhibition happened tomorrow, Nadal’s response was immediate and honest. He did not attempt to inflate expectations, instead reinforcing that Federer is currently in a far better physical situation: “Honestly, him. He’s been training longer than I have. I think he has something planned for January, so he's been preparing for a while. I already told him in our last conversation that if we have to do something, let me know with a little time. Don't make me look ridiculous out there on the court. If the opportunity ever arises, and it’s fun for both of us, that would be good.”

Asked whether he would coach his own children the way Toni Nadal coached him, Rafa responded with humor and sincerity. He expressed no plans to push them into tennis, highlighting the value of sport more broadly:

“Well, there is only one Toni. There can’t be two (laughs). I honestly don’t even think about it. I want them to do whatever they feel like doing. With the youngest, who is three months old, I’m not trying to do anything at all. Just watching what he can do, basically. And I am too, to be honest. With the older one, what I try to do is get him to play sports.”

He then expanded on his upbringing and why he hopes his children will grow up in a similarly active environment: “As a child, I was lucky enough to grow up in a sporting family environment... Sport itself has the capacity to educate, to develop in many ways. That’s why I would like my children to play sports. The older one is three years old, and I keep him moving all day long. If they need me someday, I hope to be there.”