Roger Federer on Rafael Nadal: “You Realize Who Your Real Friends Are”

World no. 3, Roger Federer admits that he will not be in touch with many players after his retirement. In an interesting interview with Financial Times, Roger Federer revealed that he will certainly miss the Tennis family once he retires.

Roger Federer acknowledged the fact that he won’t be in touch with many players after he hangs up his boots. He said, “I will miss that other family: the players, I think that’s what will be the toughest. One day when you really leave, the question is who are you still going to be in touch with? That’s when you realise there’s not many.”

The interviewer asked Roger Federer about whom will he be in touch with after his retirement. “I would think that I’m still in touch with Rafael,” Roger Federer said in a quick response.

Roger Federer has an inferior head-to-head record against his arch-rivals Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The Swiss has a head-to-head record of 24-15 against Rafael Nadal and 25-22 against the Serb. The 37-year-old has certainly conquered almost everything on the tennis court in his 21-year long career. However, it was Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic who challenged his supremacy since the last 15 years.

The interviewer further asked the 20-time grand slam champion that, “Would he have preferred unchallenged supremacy?”

Federer who is seeking his 9th Wimbledon Championships title at the All England Lawn Tennis Club replied with honesty that he would definitely want to dominate the tour forever. “Of course. I would have loved to dominate forever. When Rafael and others were coming through, it took me some getting used to.” The Swiss said of Nadal.

Federer, however, admitted that he is grateful to have such rivals who have made him a better player over the years. He continued, “At one point you tip your hat: you’re very good. I take joy after realising: you cannot be just alone at the top. You need rivals. I’m thankful to these guys, to make me a better player.”