For Federer, Djokovic "will be among the favorites" in Australia and Nadal's future on the circuit "is an unknown".
ATP
The sensational Roger Federer has been very active with the press these days as part of the 2024 Laver Cup preview. When asked about his two great rivals the former world No. 1 had a good prediction for Novak Djokovic's 2025, but as for his other nemesis, Rafael Nadal, the Swiss was much more cautious.
After a phenomenal 2023, Novak Djokovic appeared as the tennis player to beat at the beginning of 2024. However, time passes for everyone, and after falling in the semifinals of the Australian Open to the now world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, the Serb's season ended up being one of the leanest in terms of results in major tournaments, coming up empty-handed despite having reached the final of Wimbledon, and playing considerably fewer tournaments.
"Novak, winning the Olympics and playing let's say a full season, he didn't stay out because of injuries, he opted to play less, which is normal when you get a little bit older," the retired Swiss star said. I feel he has a chance to go on. I'm looking forward to Australia, the next Slam. I think he will be one of the favorites along with Sinner and Alcaraz."
The winner of 20 Grand Slam titles also referred to Nadal, who has faced several physical problems in recent years. In this regard, Federer did not dare to give a diagnosis of the situation of his nemesis, stating that "with Rafa we don't know, it remains to be seen what will happen. It's difficult to give a prediction about him as he has played very little this year."
Federer spared no praise for both players, acknowledging that both Djokovic and Nadal have left an indelible mark on tennis. Although it is about to be two years since his retirement, he is still missed on the courts, and it is always good to hear his opinion on current tennis news.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
