Rafael Nadal reveals why Roger Federer 'is not a friend'

Rafael Nadal has explained why he does not consider Roger Federer a friend, notwithstanding his pivotal role in the Swiss maestro's emotional farewell from the sport. Federer, aged 42, retired after the Laver Cup in September 2022, boasting 20 Grand Slam titles and a firmly established status as an all-time great.

Both Nadal and Novak Djokovic have since surpassed Federer's tally of Slam victories, sparking considerable debate over who merits the title of the greatest male player in history. But, the rivalry between the Spaniard and the Swiss star during their peak years remains iconic, with both expressing mutual respect.

Federer's final appearance occurred in a doubles match alongside Nadal, but the European duo succumbed to defeat in a tie-break decider against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Subsequently, the 'King of Clay' visibly grappled with his emotions, shedding tears as his partner bid farewell to the audience.

However, in an interview with El Objetivo de La Sexta, Nadal clarified that despite his admiration for Federer, the two are not particularly close on a friendship level.

“I wouldn't consider him a friend,” he said. “But someone familiar, with whom I have a great relationship."

The 37-year-old, who has not competed in a Grand Slam since the 2023 Australian Open, also acknowledged that his past encounters with his fellow former world No.1 have contributed to the improvement of both players. "We have shared most of our careers. We have helped each other,” he added.

“We have also taken away a lot. We have achieved a level of self-demand that is difficult to repeat because we knew that we could not fail. That competition pushed us to the limit."

During a shared period of dominance, Federer and Nadal held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour from July 2005 through to August 2009, before Djokovic broke the mold. They are also the only pair of male players to have ever finished six consecutive calendar years in the top two positions.

However, it's Nadal who leads in their head-to-head record. In 40 matches, he won 24 times against Federer and also prevailed in 10 of their 14 Grand Slam meetings.

Nadal claimed victory in arguably the most famous clash between the pair in the 2008 Wimbledon final. In a match that lasted a then-record four hours and 48 minutes, he secured his first SW19 crown after taking the deciding set 9-7.