Roger Federer gives tennis comeback with Rafael Nadal green light in joint new venture

Tennis legend Roger Federer has hinted at a sensational return to the sport, potentially alongside long-time adversary Rafael Nadal in a new veterans tour. The Swiss maestro, who hung up his racket nearly three years ago, and Nadal, whose retirement is nearing its first anniversary, could be set for comebacks.

Despite his retirement, 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer has remained active and frequently shares clips of himself playing tennis on social media. However, fans have been left guessing about any potential return to competitive play.

This week, however, the 44-year-old sparked excitement by suggesting he could participate in a tour for former players alongside 22-time Grand Slam winner Nadal. Speaking to NBC (via the Daily Express) ahead of the Laver Cup, which Federer helped establish in 2017, he was quizzed about the possibility of creating such a tour.

"Yes, why not? I love Rafa," he said. "I played four hours of tennis in San Francisco, and an hour-and-a-half in Los Angeles the other day. I'm playing a lot to stay in shape. I know Rafa is also open to playing tennis.

"A seniors circuit sounds terrible (laughs), but maybe we could create something like that, the 'Fedal' tour, it would be cool," he added. Federer drew comparisons to his thinking behind the Laver Cup, which has been taking place at the Chase Center in San Francisco.

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"One of the reasons I started the Laver Cup was to celebrate the legends of the sport," he added. "We already had a veterans' tournament, called the Champions Tour, but I'm sure there's a lot of appetite to see past champions. I could look into that for sure."

While Federer and Nadal became close during the twilights of their careers, this friendship only blossomed after a fierce on-court rivalry that spanned more than 15 years. It's the 'King of Clay' who dominates their head-to-head record, boasting a 24-16 advantage over the grass maestro.

The duo shared an emotional farewell at Federer's final appearance during the 2022 Laver Cup. Tears flowed and hands were clasped as the eight-time Wimbledon champion said goodbye to the sport.

It was fitting that Federer gave an equally heartfelt tribute when Nadal announced his retirement last November. Taking to social media, he wrote: "Vamos, Rafael Nadal! As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I've got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional. Let's start with the obvious: you beat me - a lot.

"More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your back yard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground.

"You made me reimagine my game - even going so far as to change the size of my racket head, hoping for any edge. And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.

"OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the number-one ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world.

"And I was - until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. We were both at the start of our journey and it's one we ended up taking together.

"Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you've had. Including 14 French Opens - historic! You made Spain proud... you made the whole tennis world proud."