Despite both men retiring from professional competition, tennis legends
Roger Federer and
Rafael Nadal could link up at a future edition of the
Laver Cup, according to Federer's agent, Tony Godsick.
Federer retired at the 2022 edition on the Laver Cup, and the 20-time Grand Slam champion was joined by several of his peers including long-time rival and good friend Nadal. Conversely, the Spaniard hung up his racket at the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga, calling an end to a career that saw him shatter numerous tennis records.
A doubles pairing between the two icons is possible, says Godsick
Although Nadal did not participate at this year's edition of the Laver Cup, Federer revealed in an interview in June that he would come out of retirement to play doubles alongside the Spaniard if he asked him.
During this year’s Laver Cup, Godsick was asked about the possibility of Nadal captaining Team Europe in the competition in the future.
“I hope so,” said Godsick in an interview with Marca. “My dream is for Roger to be captain and Rafa assistant and then the other way around. In this way, they would be longer in office.
“The rivalry they both had on the court was very special, but I think the friendship of the two outside is even more special. They are the clear example that all competitors can get along."
Godsick, who co-founded the Laver Cup alongside Federer in 2017, divulged that Barcelona was a possible option for hosting the annual event in 2026. Furthermore, he addressed the idea of Federer and Nadal playing exhibition matches at Real Madrid’s revamped Santiago Bernabeu stadium.in the future.
“We are working on it and we have several options,” said Godsick. “On the one hand, there is already a lot of tennis being played in Spain, but it is also true that the Spanish fans have culture and understand the game. It is a country that has had super heroes in this sport.
"Since Roger retired, he hasn’t wanted to play another match as long as he doesn’t feel physically well. To my mind comes the record of spectators that they beat in South Africa. We like to do big things. If there is an option to beat that one day, I’m sure Roger will consider it.
“They both like to collaborate and I like working with Carlos Costa. I have very good memories. We did the half-grass, half-clay exhibition in Mallorca… Anything is possible in the future."