Roger Federer is hoping that his formal rival Rafael Nadal can come back stronger as the Spaniard is dealing with an injury setback.
The 37-year-old played just one game before his scheduled return at the 2024 Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam tournament
While Nadal continues to recover from his injury, Federer remains optimistic about his return.
During a conversation with GQ Sports, the 42-year-old expressed confidence in Nadal's success upon his return, making a candid revelation about him. Federer mentioned, “I felt sad for him that he has not been able to play nearly as much or at all to what he wanted to do.”
“I hope that he can do what he wants to do in the summer, because even though I have a good feeling for him, and I know he pulled out of Indian Wells and Doha and all that stuff, but I still am very hopeful that he can get back on the train and ride it," he added.
Federer and Nadal's apperance together has been a cherished asset for the tennis world. Whilst their emotive image at the 2022 Laver Cup circulated rapidly across the internet, another photograph swiftly became viral this year.
Earlier this year, the Spanish tennis legend took to his official Instagram account to post a picture with Federer. The Swiss maestro visited Nadal's academy in Mallorca. The two legends were captured engaging in an intriguing discussion at the academy.
Nadal expressed gratitude to Federer for his visit to the academy saying, “Great to have you here with me today my friend. Thanks for the visit and hope to see you again very soon.”