Rafael Nadal would be 'excited' to face Roger Federer in an exhibition as 'special' Novak Djokovic match also mooted by Toni Nadal
Published 28/05/2025 at 13:42 GMT+1
Rafael Nadal's former coach and uncle Toni Nadal claimed that the 22-time Grand Slam winner would be "excited" to face long-time rival Roger Federer in an exhibition match. Nadal and Federer faced one another on 40 occasions throughout their illustrious careers, including 14 times in a Grand Slam. Toni added that Novak Djokovic could also face the pair in an exhibition match.
Watch as Nadal basks in spine-tingling standing ovation at French Open
Video credit: TNT Sports
Rafael Nadal "would be excited" by the prospect of playing Roger Federer in an exhibition match, according to Toni Nadal.Â
Nadal and Federer’s iconic rivalry over the past decades transcended tennis, with the pair having gone toe-to-toe on 40 occasions throughout their careers, including 14 times in Grand Slams.Â
The last of their competitive encounters took place back in 2019, as Federer bettered the Spaniard in the semi-final at Wimbledon. Three years later, Federer retired, while Nadal followed by hanging up his racket in 2024.
However, Nadal’s uncle and former coach, Toni insisted that it is likely that there will "soon" be an exhibition match between the tennis icons.
"I imagine he would like to play an exhibition match with Federer soon, to give back a little of what tennis has given him and what tennis has meant to him", Toni told Spanish publication Clay.Â
Nadal and Federer faced each other in a spate of exhibition matches while still active, with the last taking place back in Cape Town in 2020 before a record 51,954 crowd.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/25/image-dbea91e8-2021-448a-a159-6f8ba4f32808-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'A beautiful moment' - Djokovic opens up about Nadal ceremony at French Open
Video credit: TNT Sports
Toni added that it would be "special" for them to also face long-time rival Novak Djokovic, who claimed a commanding win over Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of Roland-Garros.
"It would be very special for people to see the three of them playing again. And yes, I think they’ll have to do something, because I suppose it will motivate people to see them play again in the future," Toni continued.
"I think I’ve been close enough to him to know him a little and know that he would be excited to play Federer.
- 'Brits on fire' - 'What an opportunity' for Norrie after stunning Medvedev victory, says Henman
- Gauff hails 'GOAT on clay' Nadal for his 'insane' legacy
"Tennis has been a big part of his life, it has meant a lot to him, and you can’t just erase that from one day to the next."
When asked when the proposed exhibition matches could take place, Toni added: "After these months away from the courts, I think that at some point he will want to get back to training and feel that he is hitting the ball well.Â
"I am convinced that he will play again soon, quite soon."
Stream the 2025 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement