Spain’s
Rafael Nadal has conceded that former world number
one
Roger Federer might not attend his final outing in professional tennis. The
38-year-old is regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of men’s
tennis in the singles category in the Open era, having won as many as 22 Grand
Slam titles.
Fourteen of those titles came while playing at Roland
Garros, which is why he is also known as the ‘King of Clay’. Nadal, who has
struggled with fitness concerns, especially towards the latter stages of his
career, has recently announced that he will retire from professional tennis
after the upcoming
Davis Cup. The team-based competition is set to begin form
November 19 in Malaga. Nadal will be representing his country Spain in the quarterfinal
against the Netherlands.
Former world number one Federer retired in 2022 after taking
part in the
Laver Cup, where he was one of the members of Team Europe, which
also featured Nadal. The 22-time Grand Slam winner, ahead of the upcoming mega-event,
was asked whether Federer would return the favour and join him on his final
outing. In response to that, Nadal conceded that might not be the case. He also
highlighted that the two situations are very different. He was there two years
back because he was part of the team, but now he is taking part in a
competition where he will be representing his national side.
"It's a different situation," said Nadal . "I
was there to play. There, we were team-mates. Here, we are a Spanish team. I
didn't talk to Roger. I think Roger has a busy schedule. By the way, of course
it's going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don't think it's
going to be my last goodbye. So there is going to be other chances to do
something.”