Roger Federer empathizes with his Long time Rivals' recent draws

Roger Federer expressed empathy for Rafael Nadal following his defeat at the Paris Olympics, stating that he "felt a bit sorry" for him. Currently, in New York, Federer made a nostalgic return to Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch the quarter-final match between Grigor Dimitrov and Frances Tiafoe, marking his first visit since retirement. During an interview with USA TODAY, Federer addressed various topics, including his thoughts on Rafael Nadal.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner, Roger Federer mentioned that he had an interaction with his all-time rival Nadal past week. The Swiss legend confirmed that they had a talk and that he felt sorry for him. Federer further added that Nadal's summer stint didn't progress as he planned due to the tough draws that he got in both the French Open and the Olympics.

Federer said:- 

“I just spoke to him this last week. He wanted to ask me something, and we had a chat, and, um, I felt a little bit sorry for him,” said Federer. “That his summer didn’t go as well as planned because, at the French Open he had a tough draw. Olympics, he had a tough draw as well.”

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Nadal's Underwhelming Performance this Season

Rafael Nadal has participated in 17 singles matches across seven tournaments this year, and also played doubles with Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics and with Casper Ruud in Bastad. Despite their efforts, the Spanish duo did not secure a medal after being defeated in the quarter-final stage in Paris, which was an outcome that Federer indicated Nadal had been aiming for at the Olympic Games.

“He was hoping, I think, to make a medal. Of course, it was Alcaraz in the doubles. I think also to make a medal,” explained Federer.”

Roger acknowledged Nadal as one of the greatest players the sport of tennis has ever seen, and he hopes that Nadal will make it out of this tough phase. Federer wishes Nadal gets to call it a day on his terms and the way he wants.

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