Roger Federer has said that he hopes
Rafael Nadal can have a more positive retirement experience and "go out on his own terms".
Federer and Nadal have forged their place in tennis history over the last few decades. They make up two of the Big Three along with
Novak Djokovic, who all dominated the
ATP Tour and Grand Slams year after year.
Nadal has won 22 major titles. 14 of them at the
French Open, whilst Federer has 20 to his name, and holds the impressive record of winning
Wimbledon eight times.
However, both men have started to move on from their professional careers. Federer announced his retirement last year, and was last seen at the SW19 spectating from the Royal Box, whilst Nadal is currently out with an injury he suffered at the
Australian Open, and has strongly suggested that 2024 will be his last season.
Federer's sympathy for Nadal
The 41-year-old sympathised with his former rival. Speaking to CNN, Federer spoke of his decision to retire, saying
"I mean, all of us: [Andy] Murray, [Novak] Djokovic, Nadal and me, I think the four of us when I retired were all sitting there crying about me retiring – or because of the music, who knows
"Everybody had their own reasons why they were crying. I think you realise how fortunate we are to still be playing at this later stage of our careers because tennis players used to retire at 30."
Federer went on to discuss Nadal, adding
"We all know how fortunate we are and so I think Rafa knew that, too. So seeing him going through this more difficult period now, obviously I’ve been there and I just hope that he can go out on his terms [and] he can still play a little bit.
"I still hope we’ll see not just the doubles like I did, but more than that. I still believe that’s going to happen."
Life after tennis
Despite the tears, life after tennis doesn't seem to be all doom and gloom. Federer has become a bit of a part-time tennis coach to his young children, showing how retirement has allowed him to spend more quality time with his family,
"Having four children at the age of, twin boys nine now and twin girls 14, I want to be there for them and I can’t see myself going on tour, honestly."
