Tennis icon Rafael Nadal has sparked excitement among fans by confirming preliminary discussions with his great rival Roger Federer about a potential joint venture in the future. The revelation comes as the Spaniard opens up about his life after retirement, admitting to spending a mere 90 minutes on a tennis court since officially ending his professional career.
"Vague Talks" for a Federer-Nadal Spectacle
While accepting the prestigious AS Legend Award, Nadal disclosed that he and Federer have "talked vaguely" about reuniting for a special project. This has ignited hopes of a sensational exhibition tour featuring the two legends of the sport. Nadal assured supporters that if the right circumstances align for them to enjoy the experience, he is confident "something will happen" eventually.
However, the 22-time Grand Slam champion tempered expectations, cautioning that any such appearance is likely "a little further down the line" rather than being imminent. He emphasised the significant physical preparation he would require, having not played serious tennis for a year.
A New Role: From Superstar to Support Act
Nadal provided a candid glimpse into his post-retirement routine, revealing that until just two weeks ago, he had not picked up a racket since bowing out after the 2024 Davis Cup. His brief return to the court was not for personal glory but to assist young talents from his academy.
He acted as a training partner for two promising students: Alexandra Eala, who has been with him since she was 14, and Alina Korneeva, who joined the academy two years ago. Nadal humorously noted the complete shift in his status, telling the prospects he would "throw the ball" wherever they instructed.
"Training for others is my new role; they no longer train for me," Nadal stated, embracing his supportive position. Despite the casual nature of the session, the Manacor native said he had a "good time" and found it far more enjoyable than using gym equipment like an elliptical machine.
Looking Ahead: A Gradual Return to the Swing
As he adjusts to life after a storied 20-year career that yielded 92 ATP titles and two Olympic gold medals, Nadal outlined his tentative plans. He aims to play tennis approximately once a week to gradually "get back into the swing of things."
He made a promise to his fans: should the motivation strike to commit to a formal exhibition match, he will undertake thorough preparation to ensure he is ready to perform. For now, the tennis world waits with bated breath to see if the legendary partnership with Federer will grace the court once more, marking a new, unforgettable chapter in the sport's history.
