Federer admits he thought Nadal would retire in 2022: "I was worried Nadal might stop before me"

The confidences continue for Roger Federer. Retired in the summer of 2022, the Swiss now talks freely about his career as a professional tennis player. Returning to one of the subjects that most intrigues the specialist press, namely Rafael Nadal's possible retirement, the 'Maestro' made some rather astonishing revelations.

In a statement relayed by "El Pais", he confessed to having feared that the Majorcan would retire in 2022: "I was worried that Nadal might stop before me. There were signs that Rafa wasn't doing well and that he wasn't going to last as long as he does. I didn't think I'd be able to play beyond the age of 37 or 38, and it was the same for him.

But yes, I was worried that 'Rafa' might leave and, in fact, I thought he might leave after beating Medvedev in the final of the 2022 Australian Open (2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5). I thought he might do it there or at the French Open. I would have been incredibly happy for him, but it would have been a shock for me at the same time."