It’s been nearly three years since the world witnessed a tearful Roger Federer bid goodbye. And since then, one question has come up more often than not: What if Federer were to return? Or more specifically: What if Federer were to return for one last hurrah against his greatest friend and foe, Rafael Nadal? Well, you wouldn’t have to keep pondering more on this as The Swiss Maestro has decided to reveal the answer.

In the lead-up to the 2025 Laver Cup, during a chat with CNBC TV’s Squawk Box, he faced an intriguing question. “Would he ever start a ‘senior tour’ with Rafa?”, the host asked. His reply came instantly: “Yeah, why not?”

“I mean, I love Rafa, and I played four hours of tennis the other day in San Francisco, and then in LA for another hour and a half. So, I’ve been playing a lot, I’ve been trying to keep in good shape. And I know that Rafa is also totally open to play some tennis,” he said. Roger Federer has made it clear before that he doesn’t want to lose touch with the sport.

But about that word “senior”, he laughed it off. For players aged 44 and 39, Federer felt the label just didn’t fit. “It sounds terrible,” he admitted, before tossing out an idea. “But maybe we can create a tour like a Fedal tour or something like that. I mean, it would be cool.” Thankfully, this is exactly in line with what Nadal has in his mind, too.

In a conversation with journalists earlier this year, the 39-year-old had clearly stated, “I know I’ll be back at some point to play an exhibition match or something like that.” Clearing out exactly when that timeline could be, the Spaniard also added, “I need time. An exhibition match isn’t just about going out and playing; it’s all the preparation that goes into it, because when you play an exhibition, you want to show your tennis skills to the fans and everyone who organized it.” Truth be told, it wouldn’t just be cool for him but also for fans, given the storied history in Rafa and Federer’s rivalry.

Spanning over 40 matches, where Nadal led 24-16 (including 6-3 in Grand Slam finals), their contrasting styles lit up the sport, from baseline rallies to net artistry, delivering epic battles—none bigger than the 2008 Wimbledon final. Their shared legacy also came in the form of 42 Grand Slam titles; 22 for Rafa, 20 for Federer. One can only imagine what would ensue if they return again.

Having said that, this week, some of the game’s biggest stars have gathered for the Laver Cup. Team Europe battles Team World once again. At the helm of Europe is new World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, fresh from a U.S. Open triumph. Across the net, Taylor Fritz leads Team World. A clash set to electrify arenas and fans alike. Federer, meanwhile, stays honest about life after hanging up the racket.

Roger Federer speaks about adjusting post-retirement

The Swiss star has been crystal clear since hanging up his racket: No comeback to competitive tennis. But in May 2025, he gave a refreshingly honest take on life away from the tour. Asked by ATP Media how retirement had treated him, Federer admitted, “I didn’t have any plans per se as I was always trying to come back and then all of a sudden I realised that was it. And then I was just ‘Okay, it is over, what now?’” He added with a smile, “I think now I feel I am more in control of my schedule as before I was just… the afterburn of having just retired, so it has been good, honestly.”

Still, he knows the trap of saying yes too often. “I have to be careful I don’t do too many things, but at the same time I’m really happy to be busy,” he explained. Federer loves the mix of family, travel, and projects, but he’s found his rhythm. “I guess sometimes you just have to make sure to find the right balance and I feel like I have that, so it’s great.” However, he is putting in the work. “I am trying to go to the gym four times a week and I can’t believe I am actually doing that,” he laughed. After the Laver Cup in London, he even built a home gym. “A little bit weird once I had retired, so now I have to use it,” he joked.

While he’s been out of practice for a while, Roger Federer will be back on the court soon! Just last month, it was announced that he will return for the Friends Celebrity Doubles Match at the Shanghai Masters on October 10, right. The setting? The iconic Qizhong Stadium is home to some of his greatest duels. The Swiss Maestro couldn’t hide his delight: “Hello, this is Roger, and I am really happy to be returning to Qizhong Stadium in Shanghai for the Rolex Shanghai Masters. Shanghai has always been a special place for me with great fans, unforgettable memories, and a real love for the game.” Now, with him considering a possible “Fedal” reunion tour, the anticipation only grows! Are you excited?