Tennis stars Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are undoubtedly two of the greatest players of all time. They dominated the sport for the majority of the last two decades. Federer and Nadal also had one of the biggest rivalries the tennis world had ever seen. But along the way, they forged a friendship so strong, that fans lovingly referred to them as ‘Fedal’.
When Federer decided to hang up his racket at the Laver Cup, Nadal was present. When the Spaniard heard it was Roger’s last ever tournament, he played through pain to be by his side. The duo teamed up, much to the delight of fans, and it was a memorable match, even though they lost.
Nadal is currently recuperating from his injuries, while Roger is overseeing the event in Vancouver. But Fedal had a wholesome moment when Rafa sent in a question for Federer. He asked Roger who his favorite doubles partner was, adding a cheeky wink. Roger replied that he thought it was Mirka until Nadal showed up, so “Rafa can have it,” with a wink back at him.
Rafa Nadal sends in a question to Roger Federer at Laver Cup:
Rafa: “Who’s been your favorite double’s partner? 😉”
Roger: “I mean.. I thought it was my wife until this guy showed up… Rafa can have it” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 23, 2023
Federer and Nadal have played doubles together only twice. The first time was at the inaugural edition of the Laver Cup, where they emerged victorious. The only other time they played together was last year, which ended in defeat.
Federer and Nadal’s cheeky banter has won the hearts of fans, who cannot get enough of them. Fans loved Rafa’s wink in particular, also wondering how Mirka felt about this exchange. Here are a few reactions.
rafas wink was hilarious 😂💀
— Gaurav! (@gaurav_hk) September 23, 2023
And how does Mirka feel about this? 😂
— 🎾nebby🎾 (@1gamesetmatch) September 23, 2023
Even though Roger Federer has retired from the sport, he is still an active and busy man. He recently attended the UN General Assembly meeting too, for his Foundation.
Roger Federer opens up about his life post-retirement
During an interview at the Laver Cup, Federer revealed how his life had changed after retirement. Federer still has a pretty packed schedule, and not enough time on his hands.
He joked that he is a professional driver for his family now, an organizer, and a logistics man. Federer added that it is a completely different test, compared to tennis.
Roger Federer let’s us know what he’s up to 1 year after retiring:
“I feel like I don’t have enough time.. 4 kids will do that to you. I’m a professional driver nowadays, organizer, a logistics man. It’s a test on a completely other level” 😂
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 23, 2023
Roger said that he still dreads going to the gym now, but he works out anyway. It is not as intense as it used to be when he played, but he goes 4-5 days a week.
Roger Federer’s life has changed in a lot of ways, but he is an active member of the community. He imparts knowledge to kids, and just the other day he was seen playing his iconic backhanded slice on the court. The Swiss maestro is still impressive in his retirement, just as he was when he was a player.