Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s epoch-defining rivalry has cooled down from the fiery battles of their prime – but they won’t be friends anytime soon.

Despite their warm exchanges recently – including Federer’s prompt congratulations to Nadal following his retirement announcement at the Davis Cup after Spain’s ousting by the Netherlands – it appears the recently retired Nadal isn’t ready to brand their relationship as friendly.

Memories of their first clash at the 2004 Miami Masters remind fans just how sensational their rivalry was, something 43-year-old Federer acknowledged in August 2023 with a nod to authenticity: “We started respecting the rivalry,” he admitted. “We almost miss it, playing each other every weekend.

“Back in the day we couldn’t stand each other probably for that. He’s a great man. I wish he can come back one more time, but he has shown the tennis world and the fans how good he is.” Though the rivalrous intensity may have mellowed, Nadal, 38, who had the upper hand with 24 wins in their 40 matches by the time Federer stepped away from the sport, hasn’t conceded that they’ve moved beyond competitors to companions.

In an early 2024 interview on El Objetivo de La Sexta, Nadal opened up about his complex relationship with Federer, admitting that while they aren’t exactly “friends,” their bond has grown over the years, reports the Mirror. He explained: “I wouldn’t consider him a friend. But someone familiar, with whom I have a great relationship.”

The mutual respect between the two titans of tennis was unmistakable when Federer shared an emotional homage to Nadal following his last competitive match. The Swiss maestro reflected on their journey from ambitious youngsters vying for dominance in the ATP to Federer’s swan song at the 2022 Laver Cup.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer ( 

Image:

Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)

Their tearful reactions to Federer’s farewell hinted at a deep-seated camaraderie. Yet, for Nadal, this poignant moment may have signified more the end of their storied rivalry than the loss of a friendship. Novak Djokovic remains the sole active competitor from the famed ‘Big Three,’ having surpassed both Nadal and Federer with a record-breaking 24 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic himself has acknowledged that he doesn’t see his legendary counterparts as “friendship” in the traditional sense, underscoring the intense competitive spirit which both demands respect and defines these champions.