The rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal may not be what it once was - but that doesn't mean the pair can be considered friends.
Or at least the recently retired Nadal doesn't appear to think so, even despite the glad tidings exchanged between the two of late. Federer was among the first to congratulate Nadal on his way out of tennis' exit door when he hung up his racket at the Davis Cup this week, calling it a day after Spain were knocked out by the Netherlands.
It's admittedly a long way from the duo's roots as bitter nemeses, having played against one another for the first time at the 2004 Miami Masters. It soon became evident just how special their head-to-head was, and 43-year-old Federer revealed any bad blood was 100% authentic.
"We started respecting the rivalry," he said in August 2023. "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."
Nadal, 38, got an early head start in their back-and-forth, and by the time Federer retired, the Spaniard had won 24 of their 40 encounters overall. The competitive edge of those showdowns softened over time, but Nadal still doesn't believe their courtship has entered the friend zone.
Speaking on El Objetivo de La Sexta in early 2024, 22-time Grand Slam-winner Nadal explained how he still wouldn't describe their relationship as "friendship." But he's still a lot closer to the Swiss icon than was once the case.
"I wouldn't consider him a friend," he said. "But someone familiar, with whom I have a great relationship."
If nothing else, the respect was apparent when Federer posted a heartfelt tribute to his old rival in light of his final competitive outing. The 20-time major champion spoke of their origins as young upstarts jostling for superiority on the ATP circuit, all the way up until Federer's final match at the 2022 Laver Cup.
The duo could each be seen welling up at Federer's ultimate departure from the sport, indicating some form of mutual affection. But perhaps, at least in Nadal's case, that was more indicative of the loss he would feel knowing their iconic contest was officially at an end.
Novak Djokovic is the last remaining member of the 'Big Three' still plying his trade, having overtaken both stars with his haul of 24 major triumphs. The Serb recently confirmed himself that he does not consider either of his former rivals "friends," per se, showing just how deep the desire for competition runs among the trio.
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