Roger Federer reveals he 'will miss' seeing Nadal at Roland Garros

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer - Laver Cup 2022

May 24, 2023

ATP Tennis Players, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Roland Garros, Tennis News

Roger Federer reveals he ‘will miss’ seeing Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

Roger Federer has voiced his disappointment at his great rival Rafael Nadal’s absence from Roland Garros for the first time since 2004, with the Swiss also distancing himself from rumoured BBC Wimbledon roles ‘this year’.

Federer played his final professional match at the Laver Cup last year alongside Nadal, and in a Twitter Q&A spoke about the Spaniard’s announcement that he will not be playing at the upcoming major.

“Yes I will miss seeing him play,” said Federer. “French Open + Rafael Nadal = one of the most incredible records in history of all sports.”

yes I will miss seeing him play. French Open + @RafaelNadal = one of the most incredible records in history of all sports. https://t.co/Nt7coSK61B
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 23, 2023

Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros

Federer and Nadal have played 40 times in their historic rivalry and despite it often being very back and forth, the Spaniard was always dominant at Roland Garros.

In-fact Nadal prevented Federer from winning his maiden clay court Grand Slam title on three occasions, before he eventually broke through in 2009 when the Spaniard fell to a shock defeat against Robin Soderling.

Here is their head-to-head history:

Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal overall head-to-head: 16-24

Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal head-to-head at Roland Garros: 0-6

Nadal beat Federer, 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-3 (2005 Semi-final)
Nadal beat Federer, 1-6 6-1 6-4 7-6(4) (2006 Final)
Nadal beat Federer, 6-3 4-6 6-3 6-4 (2007 Final)
Nadal beat Federer, 6-1 6-3 6-0 (2008 Final)
Nadal beat Federer, 7-5 7-6(3) 5-7 6-1 (2011 Final)
Nadal beat Federer, 6-3 6-4 6-2 (2019 Semi-final)

Roger Federer answering other questions

There have been a lot of rumours surrounding Federer’s future following retirement from professional tennis, including speculation about whether he would be joining the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage.

However, the eight-time champion appears to have silenced them rumours in response to another question, “No plans to commentate this year!”

no plans to commentate this year!
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 23, 2023

Federer also answered a question about how he was feeling following retirement, and if there was anything he missed about being away from the ATP tour.

“Feeling great nowadays,” answered the 41-year-old. “What i miss most: having a spontaneous dinner out on tour with friends after a match or practice and of course the big stadiums, fans and the thrill of it all.”

He also revealed that he was enjoying life away from tennis, claiming that ‘a weight’ had been lifted from his shoulders.

Federer explained, “There was a lot of little stuff that I didn’t know was creating so much stress that just dropped away, which is really cool. Like a weight being lifted off my shoulders.”

There was a lot of little stuff that i didn't know was creating so much stress that just dropped away, which is really cool. Like a weight being lifted off my shoulders.
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) May 23, 2023

Despite revealing he was enjoying time away from tennis, the 20-time Grand Slam champion did not rule out playing exhibition matches in the future.

“I’d love to play exhibitions in the future and if so, coming to South America again would be amazing,” said Federer.