Rafael Nadal on his 'healthy' relationship with Roger Federer - "People who are normal find a way to appreciate their biggest rival"

Rafael Nadal recently talked about his friendship with Roger Federer and how he appreciated his 'biggest rival'. He said that the duo was greatly competitive but also still learned to appreciate each other during their fierce rivalry.

Nadal, who has been away from tennis since crashing out of the Paris Olympics 2024, recently sat down for an interview with Pablo Motos on the popular talk show El Hormiguero. He talked about a host of topics, such as his impending retirement, Jannik Sinner's doping controversy, and Carlos Alcaraz, among others. He also shed light on his friendship with the Swiss Maestro during the chat.

The video, originally in Spanish, was translated by a fan of Nadal and Federer @untiedsneakers. The Spaniard said that he has a 'very good companionship' with the 20-time Grand Slam champion. He also recalled competing with each other for the biggest trophies in tennis.

"With Roger, well, I have a very good companion, we’ve done a lot of beautiful things together, we competed for the most important things during the biggest parts of our careers. And I think the people who are ‘normal’ in the end find a way to greatly appreciate their biggest rival," he said.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion also said that the duo carried themselves and their rivalry in an adequate and sensible way.

"I think, that we’ve understood the sport in a healthy manner doesn’t take away one bit of the competitiveness. But I think we’ve carried our rivalry in an adequate, sensible way and also since we have learned to appreciate each other so much during as well as after…. (the competition)," he added.

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Rafael Nadal provides retirement update, needs more time to arrive at decision

Rafael Nadal provides retirement update (Image: Getty)

Rafael Nadal has been battling injuries since 2023. He has been asked about his impending retirement time and again. Recently, he opened up about his retirement during an interaction on a Spanish talk show, El Hormiguero. The Spaniard revealed that he could play at the French Open one more time.

"It's an option [to play again at Roland Garros], right now the goals are over and I'm giving myself time," he said.

He urged the press not to bring up retirement in every press conference and give him time to make a decision.

"In the end, I'm giving myself time and making my decision when I'm clear about it. I try to do things as well as possible. I ask that they don't bring up my retirement in every press conference because otherwise I end up believing that I'm going to retire," he said.

Rafael Nadal will next be seen at the Laver Cup 2024 as a part of Team Europe.