"I feel sorry for Rafael Nadal" - Roger Federer disheartened by Spaniard's recent struggles, looks forward to saying 'goodbye' at Laver Cup

Roger Federer recently expressed his disappointment at seeing Rafael Nadal struggle at the 2024 French Open and the Paris Olympics. Federer also said that he is looking forward to being with the Spaniard if he decides to end his career at the Laver Cup in Berlin this year.

Nadal, who is potentially playing his last season as a professional player, has had a challenging time on court this year. After missing the 2023 season due to injuries, he returned at the 2024 Brisbane International. However, an injury sustained during the tournament forced him to withdraw from the Australian Open and several other tournaments.

The former World No. 1 then made a comeback during the European clay court swing. He participated in the Barcelona Open, Madrid Open and Italian Open in preparation for the French Open, a Grand Slam tournament he has won a record 14 times.

However, Nadal suffered a first-round defeat at Roland Garros to fourth seed and eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev.

He then competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics in both singles and doubles, partnering with Carlos Alcaraz in the latter. Nadal was eliminated in the singles event by top seed and eventual gold medalist Novak Djokovic in the second round. In the doubles event, Nadal and Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals before being defeated by eventual silver medalists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.

While speaking on 'Today,' an American morning television show, earlier this week, Federer said he felt a "little sorry" for Nadal not having the summer he would have wanted:

"I actually just spoke to him this last week. He wanted to ask me something, and we had a chat. I felt a little bit sorry for him that his summer didn't go as well as planned, because at the French Open he had a tough draw. Olympics yeah, the tough draw as well. He was hoping also to make a medal of course with Alcaraz in the doubles. But overall he can do whatever he wants."

Federer added that he was grateful for the many "happy" moments he has shared with Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray on the court:

"He's been one of the most iconic tennis players who ever was in our sport and that's also what I told him. So I just hope he can go on his terms and the way he wants to."

Federer said he hopes Nadal is able to compete at the 2024 Laver Cup in Berlin, and that he'd have the opportunity to be there for the Spaniard should he choose to conclude his career at that event.

"Say goodbye, maybe. But it would be great if, of course, if Rafa can play at the Laver Cup. He's said he's gonna play that, but you know again, he can do whatever he wants. That was the incredible moment in my career," he said.

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Roger Federer on his & Rafael Nadal's famous crying picture from his Laver Cup farewell - "It's probably more important for me than for him"

Laver Cup 2022 [Source: Getty]

Earlier this year, while speaking to EL PAÍS, Roger Federer talked about the famous picture of him and Rafael Nadal crying during his farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup.

Federer said the picture was extremely special to him and that he has it framed at his home.

"It's probably more important for me than for him. I have it at home, framed, in a space where I have some images of my career. When I walk past it, it always catches my attention because it reflects our camaraderie, our friendship and also our rivalry, all in one image," he said [translated from Spanish].

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal met 40 times on the ATP Tour, with the Spaniard winning 24 of those matches. Their last encounter on the tour was in the semifinal of the 2019 Wimbledon Championships, which the Swiss won 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.