Rafael Nadal has revealed that Novak Djokovic is not part of the WhatsApp group chat he shares with Roger Federer because the Serb is still competing. The 22-time Grand Slam champion explained that his close relationship with Federer, which began before the Swiss star retired in 2024, continues through regular contact.
Nadal and Federer stay in touch weekly
Nadal, 40, said he and Federer, 45, communicate almost every week. "We're in touch almost every week," the Spaniard told AP. "We talk, and we think we were much better than the players today (laughs). In all seriousness, we usually talk about other things, like golf and other sports; we also share ideas, it's a normal relationship."
He added that a group chat involving the sport's 'Big Three' has not been created because Djokovic, 39, is still active. "We don't have a chat - Federer, Djokovic, and I - because Novak is still competing," Nadal admitted.
Return to court for exhibition
The 'King of Clay' is more than two years removed from retirement but will play an exhibition match in Las Vegas next February ahead of Indian Wells. "At first, I wasn't really looking forward to playing the exhibition in Las Vegas, but in a way, it forces me to start training again and get back into my routines," he said.
"To be honest, I'm still hitting the ball quite well. But moving around the court, that's a different story. I need to take it step by step; if I want to avoid injuries, it's a process that requires time and patience."
Open to Federer exhibition and academy expansion
Nadal has not ruled out sharing a court with Federer once more, whom he leads 24-16 in their rivalry. "I'm open to playing an exhibition with Roger Federer, and I've had long conversations with him. We'll see what happens in the future and whether it takes place or not," he said.
The Mallorca native also revealed plans to expand the Rafa Nadal Academy, which he opened in 2016, into the United States. "We are in the process of trying to replicate what we've done in Mallorca, but on a significantly larger scale, in the United States," Nadal told Cantabria Labs president Juan Matji.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, won the China Open last month in a walkover victory over Alex De Minaur for his 102nd career title. He suffered a second-round defeat to qualifier Rinky Hijikata at the Paris Masters last week, with the world No. 83 becoming the lowest-ranked man to beat him this year.
