Rafael Nadal makes disappointing Roger Federer admission as tennis icon prepares for retirement
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Rafael Nadal has admitted Roger Federer may not be present for his retirement farewell at the Davis Cup this week - with his comments set to disappoint tennis fans from around the world.
Two years ago, Nadal was by his old rival's side as the Swiss icon bowed out at the Laver Cup.
There were emotional scenes as the pair sobbed, with Federer walking away from tennis after a glittering career that saw him win 20 Grand Slam titles.
Nadal is set to follow his former nemesis into retirement this week, with the 38-year-old hoping to inspire Spain to another Davis Cup win.
Rafael Nadal has admitted Roger Federer may not be present for his retirement farewell at the Davis Cup this week - with his comments set to disappoint tennis fans from around the world
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Yet Nadal, when asked if Federer would be in Malaga to watch him bow out, didn't seem so certain.
Speaking at a press conference, he said: "It's a different situation. I was there to play. There, we were team-mates. Here, we are a Spanish team.
"I didn't talk to Roger. I think Roger has a busy schedule."
Nadal did, however, tease that there are 'going to be other chances to do something', even if Federer doesn't jet out to Spain this week.
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"By the way, of course it's going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don't think it's going to be my last goodbye," he continued.
"So there is going to be other chances to do something."
Over the years, Nadal has played a key part in five Davis Cup victories for Spain.
Therefore, ending with another triumph would certainly be fitting given everything the 22-time Grand Slam winner has achieved throughout his career.
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But Nadal has warned fans that fairytale endings are something that happens more often in Hollywood, rather than the tennis court.
"There are no ideal endings," he said.
"Ideal endings usually happen in American movies. It's not something that worries me in that sense.
"My farewell is going to be what it's going to be. What I want is for the team to be competitive and to be able to win the Davis Cup.
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Rafael Nadal was in attendance when Roger Federer retired from tennis back in 2022
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"I am not worried about the next chapter in my life. I have had lots of time in my life not playing tennis because of injuries.
"I accept the challenge of an important change in my life."
Nadal was also asked if he would struggle to contain his emotions on the court after the teary farewell Federer had.
He replied: "If I am on court, hopefully not, no, because at the end I am not here for retiring. I'm here to try to help the team.
Rafael Nadal is eager to win the Davis Cup one last time as he prepares to hang up his racket
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"Then it's of course going to be my last week on the professional tour, but at the end, we are here in a teams competition.
"The most important thing here is to try to help the team and to stay all focused on what we have to do, that is play tennis and do it very well.
"Because the rival is going to be difficult, and the conditions are difficult, too. So then the emotions are going to be for the end.
"To play my last event in Spain, it's something that I am very happy with. Because I will never have the chance to thank enough everybody here in Spain, the support that I receive and the love that I felt always."
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