Andy Roddick Gives Shocking Details About Rafael Nadal’s Foot During Their Meetup Earlier This Year

Rafael Nadal retired from professional tennis after a loss against Botic van de Zandschulp at the Davis Cup last year.

Andy Roddick Gives Shocking Details About Rafael Nadal’s Foot During Their Meetup Earlier This Year

Rafael Nadal and Andy Roddick (inset) (via Tennis365)

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Andy Roddick recently shared a striking story about Rafael Nadal’s health. He revealed details about the condition of Nadal’s foot, describing it as almost unreal. The image, according to him, showed the true physical cost of competing at the highest level of tennis.

Nadal’s career has been shaped by both triumph and injury. Throughout the years, he endured repeated setbacks and still pushed his body beyond normal limits. Those battles eventually led to his retirement in November of last year. Since stepping away, the Spaniard has chosen to remain largely out of the spotlight. Roddick said on Served Podcast:

To let everyone know how hard the players work for you and how physically difficult it is. He took his boots off, it looked like an animal was living inside his foot. It was disgusting. I’d tell you to go and see, but I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. It’s absolutely disgusting.

One rare appearance came when Nadal joined Roddick on his podcast Served. The conversation gave fans a glimpse of Nadal’s mindset after retiring. Yet behind the scenes, Roddick noticed something far more telling about the toll Nadal had carried.

Months later, during the Laver Cup, where Roger Federer was also present, Roddick revisited that moment. He recalled how seeing Nadal’s foot left a lasting impression. For him, it was a vivid reminder of what Nadal sacrificed to stay at the top of the sport.

Andre Agassi believes Carlos Alcaraz has the arsenal of the Big 3

Carlos Alcaraz’s rise on the ATP Tour has sparked endless comparisons with Rafael Nadal. The connection comes not only from their shared Spanish roots but also from their aggressive, dynamic playing styles. Over the past two seasons, Alcaraz has grown into a more complete player, earning praise from legends of the sport.

Andre Agassi Roger Federer Rafael Nadal Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz
In background: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic; In bubbles: Carlos Alcaraz and Andre Agassi (Images via BBC/X)

Andre Agassi, speaking ahead of the Laver Cup in San Francisco, highlighted Alcaraz’s unique blend of skills. He suggested that the young Spaniard brings together traits from Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer. For Agassi, this mix makes Alcaraz one of the most exciting players to watch. He said:

There’s not a place in the world where he goes and he’s not the crowd favorite. And for obvious reasons. What he’s brought to the game is a mixture of the last generation we had.

Patrick Rafter, former world No. 1 and current vice-captain of Team World, also offered high praise. He pointed out Alcaraz’s speed, power, and movement as key elements that set him apart. Rafter emphasized how these qualities allow him to adapt and dominate in nearly any situation.

The two legends will soon see Alcaraz up close. On Saturday, September 20, he will team up with Jakub Mensik for Team Europe in doubles. Their opponents will be Alex Michelsen and Taylor Fritz, representing Team World under Agassi and Rafter’s leadership.

Roger Federer’s agent gives update on Rafael Nadal’s potential exhibition return

Roger Federer’s longtime agent has hinted that the Swiss icon may soon return to the court, but this time in a seniors format. The idea would see him compete alongside Rafael Nadal and other recently retired stars, giving fans a chance to relive some of tennis’ greatest rivalries.

Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer (Image via X/TNT Sports)

Godsick told Tennis Channel:

I’ve been pressuring him a little bit, saying, ‘Come on, people want to see you play again. You can play a couple of senior things. We’ve been talking with Rafa a little bit about putting together a tour together. So, Roger just wanted to make sure that his knee was fine. He didn’t want to be totally broken after his career, so he gave it a little bit of time. He’s not there yet but he’s in the gym a lot. I think Rafa’s interested, I don’t want to speak for Rafa. But it would be great to see these guys out there.

Federer stepped away from the professional circuit after the 2022 Laver Cup. Nadal followed with his final match at the Davis Cup in December 2024, while Andy Murray ended his career after the Paris Olympics in August of the same year. Together, they represent an era of tennis that defined the sport.

When Federer retired, he promised he wouldn’t vanish from tennis. True to his word, he has stayed connected through the Laver Cup and appearances at events like the Shanghai Masters. Still, fans continue to hope for more than just off-court involvement, especially the chance to see him partner or face Nadal once again.

According to Tony Godsick, Federer’s trusted agent, everything depends on the Swiss star’s health and fitness. He explained that Federer is always searching for new opportunities, and a seniors tour could be that next chapter. If so, it would bring together some of the game’s biggest names in a new but nostalgic setting.

Also Read: Team Europe’s Captain Amazed by Carlos Alcaraz’s Personality at the 2025 Laver Cup