Fantasy Roger Federer comeback plan floated by former world No 1

Fantasy Roger Federer comeback plan floated by former world No 1

Kevin Palmer
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer during a match
Tactics between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal has voiced fresh concerns over his ability to continue playing at the highest level, but he remains on the list to compete at the Laver Cup in September.

The 14-time champion returned to action in Barcelona last week after suffering another hip issue at his comeback tournament in January following a year out.

Nadal defeated Flavio Cobolli before losing to Alex De Minaur in the second round and is now preparing to play at the Madrid Open.

But, at a press conference ahead of the tournament, Nadal gave a downbeat assessment of his current physical state.

The 37-year-old told reporters in the Spanish capital: “Some moments I find myself enjoying being on court, playing against the best players again and I feel more or less competitive, and other moments I feel limitations and it’s difficult.

“If I arrive in Paris the way I feel today, I will not play. I will play Roland Garros if I feel competitive. If I can play, I play. If I can’t play, I can’t. It won’t be the end of the world or the end of my career. I still have goals after Roland Garros, like the Olympics.”

Nadal could use his appearance at the Laver Cup as part of his farewell to tennis and he has also signed up to play in the lucrative exhibition event featuring some of the biggest names in the game in Saudi Arabia in October.

So despite his pessimism over how long his body will allow him to play on the ATP Tour, Nadal could have opportunities to end his playing career in style and he could go out in the same way as his old rival Roger Federer.

READ MORE: Rafael Nadal will not retire at the Laver Cup – but he may have another date in mind

The Swiss maestro played his final match amid emotional scenes at the 2022 Laver Cup, as he teamed up with Nadal for one final doubles match.

Now former world No 1 Andy Roddick has floated the prospect of Federer making a shock return to tennis to return to the favour to Nadal by playing alongside the Spaniard in this year’s Lacer Cup.

“This is pure bulls**t fandom speculation that we are having right now,” said Roddick on his Served podcast, as he floated the idea of a Federer comeback for Nadal’s farewell.

“I wouldn’t bet on it, also it wouldn’t be the most shocking thing I have ever seen in the history of the world. I don’t think it will happen, but you don’t know.”

“Laver Cup wins by Nadal saying he’s going to play it. It’s kind of created. If he does it and this is the last place he plays and he plays doubles, they’re kind of creating this place where we can basically curate your goodbye. Like we’ll let you know we’ll make the entire weekend and honour our Champion.”

Nadal’s decision to sign up for the Laver Cup was something of a surprise, as there was a growing feeling that he would play his final tournament at the French Open, which gets underway in Paris next month.

“At this stage in my career I really want to go out there and make the most of every opportunity I am given,” said Nadal, as he confirmed his Laver Cup participation.

“Teaming up is always an incredible experience and I have always enjoyed it, the competition is different and exciting. I’m looking forward to going to Berlin and helping Team Europe win back the Laver Cup.”

The chances of Federer coming out of retirement for this year’s Laver Cup seems unlikely, but there may be a chance for Nadal to play with Carlos Alcaraz at the event in Germany as the Wimbledon champion has already confirmed he will play for Team Europe.