Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to share stage once again? Agent confirms talks of ‘Fedal Tour’

The “Fedal Tour” remains only an idea, the prospect of Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal sharing the stage once again (AP Photo)

Roger Federer may have hung up his racquet in 2022, but the Swiss maestro has hinted at a fresh chapter alongside his long-time rival and friend Rafael Nadal. Speaking ahead of the Laver Cup, Federer revealed that he has been toying with the idea of a senior-style circuit featuring the two legends, playfully dubbing it the “Fedal Tour”.

“I love Rafa. I played four hours of tennis the other day here in San Francisco, and another hour and a half in LA before that. So I’ve been staying active, trying to stay in good shape,” Federer said in an interview with CNBC, while laughing at the notion of “senior tennis” still sounding a touch alien. “Maybe we could create something like the Fedal Tour.”

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The comment was more than casual banter. Federer’s agent, Tony Godsick, has since confirmed that early conversations with Nadal are already underway. While stressing that Federer remains cautious about his fitness, particularly his knees, Godsick admitted that the two camps are seriously considering a project that would bring the duo back on court, albeit in a different setting from their intense Grand Slam battles.

What form this reunion would take remains unclear. It could involve exhibition matches, a string of global showcases, or a seniors-tour-style series across different cities. For now, no venues or formats have been finalised. Still, the very suggestion of a Federer-Nadal roadshow has already sent ripples of excitement across the global tennis community, with fans eagerly awaiting further concrete details.

The idea carries a weight of history. Federer and Nadal’s rivalry, fondly branded “Fedal” by fans, defined an era of tennis with epic finals from Wimbledon to Melbourne, producing some of the sport’s most iconic moments. A collaboration in retirement would mark a rare chance for fans to relive their chemistry, both as rivals and as teammates, as seen memorably when they paired up in doubles at the 2022 Laver Cup during Federer’s farewell.

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For Federer, the thought of returning, even in a lighter exhibition capacity, is less about chasing records and more about celebrating the game. Nadal, too, having stepped away from regular tour action, has hinted at enjoying tennis in a freer, less demanding form.

While the “Fedal Tour” remains only an idea, the prospect of Federer and Nadal sharing the stage once again, this time for nostalgia, camaraderie, and sheer love of the sport, could be the closest thing tennis fans get to rewinding the clock.