ROGER FEDERER said he “felt sorry” for Rafael Nadal after he failed to win a medal at the Paris Olympics.
The Swiss great revealed insights from his private conversation with the Spanish star after he was unable to add to his extensive trophy collection this summer.
The eight-time Wimbledon champion is anticipated to follow Federer’s lead and retire from tennis soon.
Despite being named to the US Open entry list last month, the 38-year-old will not compete.
Federer, 43, told the Today Show: “I really just chatted with Rafa this last week.
“He wanted to ask me something, and we talked.
“I felt sad for him because his summer did not go as anticipated at the French Open due to a difficult draw.
“In the Olympics, he also received a rough draw. He was hoping, I believe, to receive a medal.
“But, you know, he can basically do whatever he wants. I informed him that he has been one of the most legendary tennis players in our sport’s history.
“I just hope he can go out on his terms and the way he wants to, but he’s a great guy, great career.”
Novak Djokovic, eventual Olympic winner, defeated Nadal in the second round of the men’s singles in Paris.
While he and Carlos Alcaraz were knocked out in the quarterfinals by the veteran US doubles duo of Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek, who went on to earn silver.
Nadal won gold in Beijing in 2008, defeating Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez in straight sets to win the title for Spain.
Federer and Nadal’s rivalry captivated a generation of fans, and the two established themselves as two of the greatest players of all time.
They met nine times in Slam finals, with Federer winning three and Nadal winning six.
Their most notable matches were at Wimbledon in 2008 and the Australian Open in 2017.
They did, however, form an early friendship after competing and training together since their youth.
Nadal even fell into tears when Federer said his final goodbye to tennis in his final tournament, the Laver Cup in 2022.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner decided to boycott the US Open because he knew he wouldn’t be able to perform well after a demanding summer schedule.
Earlier this week, Nadal hinted that he would continue playing until next year, with the goal of appearing in the French Open one last time.
The 14-time Roland Garros champion stated, “It’s an option.” Right now, the goals have been completed, and I am giving myself time. I like exercising as well as other aspects of my life.
“I understand that I am retiring. It has been a long time. I’ve experienced a number of physical issues, and the query is natural.”