Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

Roger Federer Teases Teaming Up With Rafael Nadal Again

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Binoy | Last updated Sep 18, 2025 2:32 PM ET

For nearly two decades, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal defined an era of tennis with a rivalry that was as fierce as it was respectful. They pushed each other to historic heights, thrilling fans with classic battles that shaped the sport. Now, with both men having stepped away from competition, their relationship has shifted from rivals to close friends, marked by mutual admiration off the court.

And just when fans thought they’d seen the last of their partnership, Federer has dropped a hint suggesting he and Nadal might be teaming up again, this time not on the court, but in a whole new venture.

Roger Federer says he’s open to starting a ‘Fedal tour’ with Rafa Nadal

"Would you ever start a senior tour with Rafa?"

Roger: "Yeah, why not? I love Rafa. I've been playing a lot so I'm trying to keep in good shape. I know that Rafa is also totally open to play some tennis.… pic.twitter.com/19stusdMQ7
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 18, 2025

Speaking to the media ahead of the 2025 Laver cup that he co-founded, Federer was asked about possibly starting a tour for older tennis players. To this he replied saying, “Yeah, why not? I love Rafa. I've been playing a lot so I'm trying to keep in good shape. I know that Rafa is also totally open to play some tennis. It sounds terrible, seniors tennis, to us but maybe we can create a tour, like a Fedal tour. It is also one of the reasons I started the Laver cup, to shine a light on the past greats of the game.”

A Closer Look at Roger Federer’s Laver Cup

Some of tennis’ biggest names are heading to San Francisco this week for the Laver Cup, where Team Europe and Team World will go head-to-head once again. Leading the charge for Europe is new World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, fresh off his U.S. Open victory, while Taylor Fritz will anchor Team World.

This year brings a fresh twist, as Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi step in as captains for the first time, replacing legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. They’ll be joined by Tim Henman and Patrick Rafter as vice captains.

The lineups are stacked with talent and a few fresh faces. Team Europe features Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Holger Rune, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik, and Flavio Cobolli, with Tomas Machac as alternate. Team World fields Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Francisco Cerundolo, Alex Michelsen, Joao Fonseca, and Reilly Opelka, with Jenson Brooksby as alternate. Debutants include Rune, Mensik, Cobolli, Michelsen, and Fonseca.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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