Roger Federer will ‘consider’ retirement U-turn to face Rafael Nadal, says agent

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal pictured playing together in doubles in 2022 — Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal could be set for one last dance (Picture: Getty)

Tennis legend Roger Federer will ‘consider’ coming out of retirement for one last exhibition match against Rafael Nadal, says his agent Tony Godsick.

Federer, 43, played his last professional event at the 2022 Laver Cup in London and it is reported he’s weighing up a possible return in a non-playing role.

The Swiss icon, a 20-time major champion, could be tempted to play one final match against Nadal, though, according to his agent, if the right offer came along.

‘We like to do big things,’ Godsick told Marca, referencing the huge 51,000 crowd who watched Federer face Nadal in a South Africa exhibition match in 2020.

‘If there is an option to beat that one day, I’m sure Roger will consider it. They both like to collaborate.

‘I like working with [Nadal’s agent] Carlos Costa. I have very good memories. We did the half-grass, half-earth exhibition in Mallorca. Anything is possible in the future.’

Nadal, 38, is still active on the ATP Tour but has spoken openly about plans to hang up his racket on several occasions and doesn’t have long left in the sport.

Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd after losing a match at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris — Rafael Nadal will soon follow Roger Federer into retirement (Picture: Getty)

Two of the greatest and most loved tennis players of all time, Federer and Nadal dominated the sport for two decades with fellow Big Three star Novak Djokovic.

Federer and Nadal were once fierce rivals but are now very close friends and even played together in doubles at the Laver Cup two years ago – a team tournament similar to golf’s Ryder Cup – which was founded by Federer and Godsick in 2017.

Godsick wants to see Federer and Nadal take charge of the Team Europe Laver Cup team once the Spaniard decides to call time on his own incredible career.

‘My dream is for Roger Federer to be captain and Rafael Nadal as assistant and then the other way around,’ Godsick added.

‘In this way, they would be in office longer. The rivalry they both had on the court was very special, but I think the friendship of the two outside is even more special. They are clear examples that all competitors can get along.’

Federer and Nadal have locked horns 40 times on the ATP Tour with the latter leading the head-to-head record 24-16.