It’s been nearly three years since tennis witnessed the end of one of its greatest rivalries. Roger Federer said goodbye at the 2022 Laver Cup, standing beside Rafael Nadal in tears and respect. It closed a chapter that saw them face off 40 times, Nadal leading 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, a match etched in history. They shared 42 Grand Slam titles: Nadal with 22, Federer with 20. A legacy of greatness and an enduring friendship. Now, with Nadal retired in late 2024 after an extraordinary run, the question lingers: what if this duo ever returned to the court?
Well, Roger might just consider it! The 20-time Slam champion is hyped for the 2025 Laver Cup. During a chat with CNBC TV’s Squawk Box on September 18, he faced an intriguing question: Would he ever consider starting a “senior tour” with Rafa? 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 also in LA 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.
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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.”
Federer, of course, last played at the 2022 Laver Cup, teaming up with Nadal for a thrilling doubles against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Nadal had his farewell two years later, on Spanish soil, in a Davis Cup tie against the Netherlands. Roger was even present at Rafael Nadal‘s Farewell Ceremony at Roland Garros this year! The Swiss great sat courtside at Philippe-Chatrier as his longtime rival and dear friend said goodbye to the tournament he had ruled like no other. Their careers ended, but their connection to the game never has.
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Speaking about that bond, Federer gave insight into staying close to tennis. “I think that’s also one of the things—actually one of the reasons I did start the Laver Cup—was to shine a light on the past greats of the game.” And right now, that’s exactly why he’s in San Francisco!
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
Roger has been crystal clear since hanging up his racquet: 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 before finals weekend. The setting? The iconic Qizhong Stadium is home to some of his greatest duels.
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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! What do you think? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below!