Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal reveals discussions and teases when a Roger Federer showdown could arrive

Originally posted on HITC | By Max Kilham | Last updated Dec 2, 2025 3:09 PM ET

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal built a lasting friendship while facing off across the ATP Tour.

Between 2004 and 2019, the pair – who hold a collective 42 Grand Slam singles titles – met 40 times on the tour.

Their bond only strengthened over time, with both players speaking highly of each other throughout their careers.

Despite competing at the very top of the sport for over a decade, they always maintained mutual respect rather than rivalry. Their relationship showed that success does not require animosity between rivals.

Federer played his final professional match at the Laver Cup in 2022, partnering with Nadal in doubles. They lost that match in three sets to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, but the Swiss legend was still able to walk off into retirement with Nadal by his side.

Rafael Nadal backs a return to tennis with Roger Federer

Photo by Tim Clayton via Getty Images

Fans around the world would love nothing more than to see Nadal and Federer step onto a court together one more time, whether as doubles partners or facing off across the net.

No matter how it plays out, it is bound to draw plenty of attention.

Nadal was asked about the possibility at the AS Sports Awards, and his answer left plenty of room for hope.

According to El Partidazo de Cope, Nadal replied: “If that were to happen, it will be a bit further down the line. I’ve been out for a year without playing and will need some preparation time.

“In the future something will happen, we’ve already talked vaguely about it.”

Their last singles meeting came in the 2019 Wimbledon semi-finals, where Federer won in four sets: 7-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

He went on to face Novak Djokovic in the final, but could not close out two championship points before losing in a fifth-set tiebreak.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s first match

Nadal and Federer played their first ATP Tour match at the Miami Open in 2004.

At just 17, Nadal defeated the then one-time Grand Slam champion 6-3, 6-3, captivating the American crowd.

Afterwards, Federer said he was not surprised by Nadal’s level, while the Spaniard said he felt ready to compete at the top of the game.

“I’m not surprised. That’s what youngsters do. I’ve heard a lot about him and I think this is not a surprise to anybody,” the Swiss star said (via The Guardian).

Nadal stated: “This year, I’m playing with more confidence. I’m winning because I have raised my level, and I believe I belong to the top. But I probably never served like this in my life.”

Federer would go on to win four Miami Open titles during his career. On the other hand, Nadal never managed to win that tournament.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: