Roger Federer: Eight-time Wimbledon champion 'hopes' Rafael Nadal will make an imminent return to tennis

Updated 22/06/2023 at 09:49 GMT

Tennis icon Roger Federer has expressed his eagerness to see his long-time rival and friend, Rafael Nadal, back on the court and competing for titles. Despite his retirement, Federer says he enjoys watching the new generation challenge the likes of Novak Djokovic, often checking the scores "three times a day". Federer also shared his ambition to play exhibition matches once his body recovers.

'I haven't booked a court yet' - Federer waiting for 'body to heal' before exhibitions

Roger Federer is keen to see his long-time rival on the court and friend, Rafael Nadal, back playing and challenging for Grand Slam titles.

The 41-year-old retired from professional tennis in 2022 after not playing in a singles tournament since Wimbledon in 2021. His final ATP event was last year's Laver Cup, with his final match being a loss as a doubles partner to Nadal.

Despite stepping away from the professional scene, the Swiss has admitted that he still is keeping up to date with what happens on the tour, and is enjoying the new generation coming up against his old rivals.

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"I'm very surprised at how often and how frequently I check scores," he said. "Three times a day, maybe. Then, of course, all of a sudden there are days where I check out for like a week, and then I'm with the kids, and I'm travelling, and I'm gone.

"I think the level of play, I feel like it's going up more and more again and again, you know. So it's nice to see that. And also the new generation, you know challenging still the likes of Novak [Djokovic] and also Rafa [Nadal], I hope he comes back. So it's good times in tennis, and I always said that tennis is so great and always keeps on evolving."

The Swiss has not taken the court much since his retirement, but is hoping that will change once his body has recovered.

"I don't play so much anymore, unfortunately or fortunately. I haven't booked a court yet, called up a friend and said, 'Let's go play tennis.' But I play a lot with my children, so I try to help them a little bit, try to be a coach, but it's not easy! But it's some good moments, and it's going to create some good memories for us.

"Hopefully down the road I can play some exhibitions again when the body's healed up and all ready to go. But for the time being, I'm just really happy away from the game. But like I said, I follow it still pretty closely."

Earlier this month, Federer admitted that he'll be rooting for Andy Murray at the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.

“Andy is a special man and I'm very happy he's still able to play. He loves it,” said the 20-time Slam champion.

“He truly loves it. With all the complications he's had with his hip, it's amazing to see that he's still going, and I think we all should give him a proper sort of round of applause, if you like, because what he's going through and what he's achieving with what he's gone through is incredible.

“Funny enough, he just won a Challenger, I believe in Surbiton. I played that back in '99, lost in the semis. And he won the same week as Novak [Djokovic] got to this incredible record of 23 Slams, which also deserves so much respect.