Rafael Nadal might have confessed that he hasn’t touched the racquet since last November, when he officially retired from professional tennis, but a return is on the cards for the Spaniard as there is speculation that he will return to the courts to put a new spin on his long-running bout with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Toni Nadal Sparks Speculation of Exhibition Matches
It was Rafa’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal who intimated that the 38-year-old might soon be witnessed in action playing exhibition matches against Federer and even Djokovic, who recently asserted before the beginning of the French Open that his career also is nearing its end.
“I imagine he’d like to do some exhibitions with Federer soon, to give back a little of everything tennis has given him and what tennis has meant to him,” Toni told CLAY and RG Media. “It would be very special for people to see the three of them playing again. And yes, I think they’ll have to do something, because I suppose people will be motivated to see them play later on.”
Toni Nadal Reflects on Rafa’s Passion for the Game
Even while conceding that it was not Rafa himself who suggested playing exhibition matches, but that Toni spelt out the reason why it was a strong possibility.
“I think I’ve been close enough to him to know him a little and know that he would be excited to play with Federer. Tennis has been a big part of his life, it’s meant a big part to him, and you don’t just erase it from one day to the next.
Icons of the Golden Era Unite at Nadal’s Farewell
Federer and Djokovic, who established a two-decade-old rivalry with Nadal, one that characterized the golden age in men’s tennis, were among those in attendance in Paris on Sunday for the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s farewell ceremony at the Court Philippe Chatrier. Andy Murray, with whom they made up the Big Four, was also in attendance.
Toni reckoned 2026 could be the year for Nadal’s return to the court, despite his nephew expecting the birth of his second child this year, and that he had given up on tennis because of his body. “After these months away from the courts, I think at some point he’ll want to get back to training and feel like he’s playing the ball well. I’m convinced that soon, quite soon, he’ll be back playing,” he added.
Tribute at Italian Open in the Works
A source from the Italian Tennis Federation (ITF) told CLAY that the organisers of the Italian Open are planning a tribute ceremony for Nadal next year. He had won the Rome Masters 10 times in his career. “In 2024, Nadal knew there was a tribute planned, but he didn’t want to do it. In 2026, it would be logical for us to pay tribute to him, and it’s clear that Paris has raised the bar significantly. The most important thing will be to do something he likes.”
