It’s the dream reunion that tennis fans have been silently praying for. Rafael Nadal, the warrior of clay, is not done with tennis just yet. After months away from the court following his emotional retirement at the 2023 Davis Cup, fresh news from none other than his uncle and former coach, Toni Nadal, has reignited hope across the sport.
In a heartfelt interview with CLAY, Toni revealed that Nadal hasn’t fully closed the door on tennis. While the legend has been enjoying golf and time away from the punishing rigors of the tour, his passion for the game still burns strong. Toni believes that Nadal is quietly preparing to reunite with his greatest rival and friend, Roger Federer, for a series of exhibition matches.
“I know him well enough to know that he is excited about the idea of playing exhibition matches with Federer,” Toni said. “Tennis has been vital in his life, and that cannot be erased overnight. I have no knowledge about it, but I am convinced he will do it. Probably, in the coming months or in 2026, he will train hard again to be ready for these exhibitions.”
This news has hit fans straight in the heart. After years of unforgettable battles, the idea of Nadal and Federer sharing a court again — this time as ambassadors of the game rather than rivals — is nothing short of poetic. Their last exhibition match, the “Match for Africa” in 2020, set a global attendance record and raised millions for charity. It may have been a while, but the magic between them hasn’t faded.
Nadal, who has stayed relatively quiet since stepping away from the sport, recently opened up during a ceremony at Roland Garros. “I don’t miss much tennis because I feel that I gave all I had,” he said. “I arrive today with the peace that I can’t be on court—my body doesn’t allow it. I did all I could to have the best career possible, and now I am enjoying this new phase of my life.”
But this latest update proves that the story isn’t over. It’s simply entering a new chapter. And for fans, that chapter might include one last chance to see two of the sport’s most beloved champions unite for something truly unforgettable.