Roger Federer reveals how DISTANT him and Rafael Nadal have grown ever since his retirement

Roger Federer's and Rafael Nadal's relationship is experiencing a lull ever since the latter's injury.

Roger Federer reveals how DISTANT him and Rafael Nadal have grown ever since his retirement

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (Image via CNN)

Tennis as a sport has originated great rivalries as well as friendships on its court. Whether it’s the rivalry between Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova or the friendship of Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev, the sport is marked by such pairs. One such remarkable friendship is that of Swiss ace Roger Federer and Spanish legend Rafael Nadal.

Both these players started their professional careers around the same time in 2001 and since then they have been good friends off the court and great rivals on the court.

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Both Federer and Nadal also admire each other and have wished nothing but the best for each other. Their extent of closeness was witnessed last year when Federer played his last professional match in the Laver Cup and bid farewell to the sport. The Spaniard was seen shedding tears of emotions and also, later on, commented how he feels a part of him has left with Federer.

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Well, one might think that such closeness would be sustained even after the Swiss’ retirement, but it does not look like so. In a recent interview, Roger Federer was found saying that the pair have not been much in contact with each other this year and things have ‘calmed down’ a bit between them.

“We haven’t heard from each other much this year. I’ve wished him all the best in his recovery from injury, but other than that, things have calmed down a bit between us.”

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Roger Federer believes this distance has to do with Rafael Nadal’s recent injury

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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (Image via MARCA)

Recently Nadal got injured in the beginning of this year’s ATP Tour and had to pull out of his beloved slam French Open and is also likely to miss the upcoming Wimbledon. He underwent arthroscopic surgery for his left hip flexor injury. While Federer expressed his support and extended well wishes for Nadal’s recovery from the injury, he acknowledged that their interactions have become infrequent, indicating a possible reflection of Nadal’s ongoing physical challenges.

As per the Swiss, this pattern is not new between the duo. Distance has been caused even in the past whenever Nadal went through any injury. Federer’s observation suggests that the demands of coping with physical setbacks may have led to a temporary decline in their communication.

“It might also show a little how much he’s struggling with his body. It’s always been like that, when he doesn’t think it’s going so well, we get a little apart,” said the Swiss maestro.

While Federer’s comments highlight a temporary lull in their relationship, it is important to note that their history suggests that this is a natural ebb and flow. In the past, both players have experienced periods of distance when facing personal challenges. This current situation may simply be another chapter in their enduring friendship, characterized by ups and downs. We as fans and admirers can just wait for these two legends to get back together, and hopefully, they will soon.

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