BERLIN, Sept 19: Tennis legend Roger Federer has advised his long-time friend and former rival, Rafael Nadal, not to wait too long to decide on his retirement.
Federer, who recently retired, encouraged Nadal to reflect on his future in the sport while keeping his health and career in mind.
“In the end, it might be helpful to make a decision at some point. And once it’s over, you can just relax,” the 20-time Grand Slam winner told German news agency dpa ahead of the start of the Laver Cup this weekend in Berlin.
With Nadal on his side, Federer ended his career at the Laver Cup in 2022.
Nadal was expected to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin this year but announced last week he was withdrawing from the tournament.
For the 22-time Grand Slam champion from Spain, 2024 is likely his last year on tour, after he hinted at plans to end his career this season.
The 38-year-old has repeatedly been plagued by injury during his final phase on tour. It was initially unclear whether that was also the reason for his withdrawal from Laver Cup.
“I really hoped he would somehow get a match in the end, but he just said he’d rather not do it, and that he doesn’t feel ready,” Federer said.
“But he seems good. I think he just has to decide what to do next and I think that’s what he’s going through at the moment. He’s done everything for the sport. It would be phenomenal if he could go on for another season, but only Rafa himself can answer that,” the Swiss said.
–BERNAMA-dpa