Both Nadal and Novak Djokovic have since surpassed Federer’s number of Slam wins, amid much debate over who deserves to be labelled the greatest male player in history. But regardless, the rivalry between the Spaniard and the Swiss star during their peak years remains iconic, and the pair have long voiced their mutual respect for one another.
Federer’s final bow came in a doubles match alongside Nadal, although the European pair were beaten in a tie-break decider by Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Afterwards, the ‘King of Clay’ was visibly struggling with his emotions, breaking down in tears as his partner waved goodbye to the crowd.
However, in an interview with El Objectve de La Sexta, Nadal has explained that despite his admiration for Federer, the pair are not too close on a friendship level. “I wouldn’t consider him a friend,” he said. “But someone familiar, with whom I have a great relationship.”
And the 37-year-old, who has not played in a Grand Slam since the 2023 Australian Open, also credited his past battles with his fellow former world No.1 for elevating both players. “We have shared most of our careers. We have helped each other,” he added.
“We have also taken away a lot. We have achieved a level of self-demand that is difficult to repeat because we knew that we could not fail. That competition pushed us to the limit.”
During a shared period of dominance, Federer and Nadal held the top two rankings on the ATP Tour from July 2005 through to August 2009, before Djokovic broke the mould. They are also the only pair of male players to have ever finished six consecutive calendar years in the top two positions.
But it’s Nadal on top when it comes to their head-to-head record. In 40 matches, he won 24 times against Federer, and also prevailed in 10 of their 14 Grand Slam meetings.
And it was Nadal who won arguably the most famous clash between the pair in the 2008 Wimbledon final. In a match that lasted a then-record four hours and 48 minutes, he won his first SW19 crown after taking the deciding set 9-7.
