Roger Federer 'will miss seeing' Rafael Nadal play at French Open, says he 'has no plans to commentate this year'
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Updated 23/05/2023 at 19:51 GMT
Neither Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal will be playing at this year's French Open. Federer has retired from tennis and Nadal has pulled out as he recovering from injury and won't defend his title. Federer has said he will "miss" seeing his former rival in Paris and has also answered other fan questions, including about his retirement and future plans, during a Twitter Q&A.
Out of French Open: Nadal drops bombshells ahead of Roland-Garros
Roger Federer says he will “miss” seeing Rafael Nadal play at the French Open and that his record there is “one of the most incredible in the history of all sports”.
Nadal, 36, has not recovered from injury in time to defend his title in Paris.
He is a 14-time champion at the Grand Slam and since making his first appearance there in 2005 has a remarkable 112-3 win-loss record.
He played Federer at the French Open six times and won on every occasion, including in four finals.
In a Twitter Q&A, Federer was asked about Nadal not playing in Paris this year.
“Yes I will miss seeing him play,” said the 20-time Grand Slam winner.
“French Open + Rafael Nadal = one of the most incredible records in history of all sports.”
Federer won the French Open just once in 2009, beating Robin Soderling in the final.
Having retired last September, it has been rumoured that Federer could soon be working as a tennis commentator, but he says he has “no plans to commentate this year”.
He also spoke about what he has enjoyed since stepping away from tennis.
“Feeling great nowadays. 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.
“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.”
Federer also hinted at a potential return to the court to play exhibition matches.
“I'd love to play exhibitions in the future and if so, coming to South America again would be amazing,” he said.
He declined to answer who would be the next first-time Grand Slam winner on the ATP Tour, saying: “Hmmmm…who should I drop a ton of pressure and stress on top of?”
Asked which Wimbledon title was his favourite, Federer replied: “All of them.”
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