By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, June 6, 2023
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal stood shoulder-to-shoulder as doubles partners in the Swiss superstar's final match at Laver Cup last September.
The iconic champions shared hugs and tears in Federer's farewell at the O2 in London.
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The 41-year-old Federer has a simple wish for Nadal: To go out on his own terms.
"We know how lucky we have been and I think Rafa Nadal knows that too," Federer told CNN. "Now I'm seeing him go through a difficult period, I've also been through it and I hope Rafa can finish his career as he wants and can continue playing a bit.
"I hope we don't see him play just in doubles like I did, but more than that, and I think it's going to happen."
The 37-year-old Nadal continues his recovery from left hip surgery he underwent last month.
Nadal, who is facing about a five-month recovery, announced he aims to play a farewell season in 2024 and knows the career clock is ticking.
"I don't know what can happen in the future. As everybody knows, I am getting old," Nadal said with a wry smile in Turin last fall. "Even if I would like to be everywhere, I can't, I simply cannot."
Since sharing a heartfelt hug and a good cry sitting side-by-side with Federer on the Team Europe bench, Nadal has had plenty of time to ponder his own exit strategy.
Last fall, Nadal hinted he'd like to represent Spain in one more Davis Cup tie.
Citing his devotion to the international team competition, Nadal shared he would "love to say good-bye from that beautiful competition."
"Let's see if I'm able to play again the Davis Cup one day. I am not sure about it," Nadal told the media in Turin. "Of course, in my mind, [I] would love to say good-bye from that beautiful competition playing. Let's see what can happen in the future."
Photo credit: Laver Cup