Federer retired at the 2022 edition of the Laver Cup, and the 20-time Grand Slam champion was joined by several of his teammates, including his old rival and good friend Nadal. For his part, the Spaniard hung up his racket in the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga, ending a career in which he has broken numerous tennis records.
A doubles pairing between the two icons is possible, says Godsick
Although Nadal did not participate in this year’s edition of the Laver Cup, Federer revealed in an interview in June that he would come out of retirement to play doubles alongside the Spaniard if he asked him to.
During this year’s Laver Cup, Godsick was asked about the possibility of Nadal captaining Team Europe in the competition in the future.
“I hope so,” Godsick said in an interview with Marca. “My dream is for Roger to be captain and Rafa to be assistant and then vice versa. This way, they would be in office longer.
“The rivalry they both had on the court was very special, but I think their friendship off it is even more so. They are a clear example that all competitors can get along.”
Godsick, who co-founded the Laver Cup with Federer in 2017, disclosed that Barcelona was a possible option to host the annual event in 2026. He also broached the idea of Federer and Nadal playing exhibition matches at Real’s renovated Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Madrid in the future.
“We’re working on it and have several options,” Godsick said. “On the one hand, a lot of tennis is already played in Spain, but it is also true that the Spanish fans have culture and understand the game. It is a country that has had superheroes in this sport.
“Since Roger retired, he has not wanted to play another game while he is not feeling well physically. The spectator record they broke in South Africa comes to mind. We like to do big things. If there is the option of breaking it one day, I am sure that Roger will consider it.
“They both like to collaborate and I like working with Carlos Costa. I have very good memories. We did the exhibition half grass, half mud in Mallorca… Anything is possible in the future.”
Come on, @RafaelNadal!
As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.
Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I…
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024
