During an interview with Movistar Plus+ on Monday, September 18, Rafael Nadal revealed that he doesn’t have many friends on the ATP tour since he is from a different generation. However, he mentioned that he occasionally engages in conversations with Roger Federer.

“On the circuit I don’t have many friends left, I’m from another generation. I talk to Federer every now and then,” Nadal said.
In response, one fan wrote on social media that Nadal’s comment made them sad.

“This makes me sad 🙁 i cant believe time is a real thing,” a fan posted.

Another fan joked that this statement might have saddened Casper Ruud as he idolizes Rafael Nadal and regards him as a friend.

“Casper screaming crying and throwing up,” the fan posted.

Here are a few more fan reactions:

pic.twitter.com/9X4y8hvN5j

— Kamis 🎾⛸️🤸🏽‍♀️ (@kamilarmc) September 18, 2023

pic.twitter.com/QTBRuP8f1K

— Vinit (@PadThighLover) September 18, 2023

“We respect the rivalry, but back in the day we couldn’t stand each other” – Roger Federer on his bond with Rafael Nadal

rafael Nadal and Roger Federer a the 2022 Laver Cup

Last month, Roger Federer shed light on his friendship with his once arch-rival Rafael Nadal.

While engaging with his fans at a Uniqlo event in New York, Roger Federer recalled his first encounter with a young, respectful, and somewhat introverted Nadal.

“I’m five years older than Rafa. So when I came on tour, I saw young, junior Rafa come through and he was extremely good, very young, incredibly respectful and also very shy. So he had unbelievable respect for me, not that he doesn’t have now anymore, I guess it’s different because we’re friendly. So earlier… With everything that I wanted to do on the tour and my ideas he was like, ‘You’re right!’” he said.

Federer discusses the evolution of his relationship with Nadal pic.twitter.com/tVohmp8fTQ

— The Big Three (@Big3Tennis) August 3, 2023

The 20-time Grand Slam champion also talked about the evolution of his relationship dynamic with Nadal.

“But I think as we got older, we knew the time is ticking and we’re about to not see each other so much anymore. I started a family… that changes someone completely anyway. And we started to talk about totally different things in life… more about injuries and kids… he’s also a father now. So the conversations changed,” Federer said.
Roger Federer also reminisced about his epic battles with Rafael Nadal and openly acknowledged his longing for the bygone era.

“We also started respecting the rivalry we used to have and we almost miss it, playing each other every other weekend. Back in the day we couldn’t stand each other probably for that but he is a great man and I wish he can come back one more time,” he added.
Federer and Rafael took to the court at the prestigious O2 Arena during Laver Cup 2022 for what was to be the final match of the Swiss’ illustrious career.