Roger Federer makes retirement request of Rafael Nadal as stars hatch French Open plan

Roger Federer wants his great rival Rafael Nadal to delay his retirement another year and return to Roland Garros in 2025.

The Swiss superstar announced he was stopping his legendary career in September 2022 at the age of 41 after fighting a knee injury.

Nadal, who turns 39 in the month of June, 2024, has suggested he will retire at the end of this season after suffering for two years with hip problems. But in his pre-tournament press conference, the 14-time champion said there is “a big, big chance” he is playing his final French Open but added: “I don’t want to close 100% the door.”

If he says “bye” on a court and not on his sofa,” Federer told L’Equipe on a visit to Paris last week.
“I don’t know anything but I would like him to finish how he decides himself, with his family and his team. I have heard a lot of things, that the end would be maybe during this Roland Garros or after the Olympic Games or he will here again next year, which I really hope. I am still a big fan of Rafa.”

Speaking before Nadal drew Rome Masters winner Alex Zverev in the first round, Federer said: “The question is not his level of play. Looking from the outside, I get the impression that his biggest problem is recovering. Can he have a great Roland Garros?
“I think yes. The rest day between the two rounds is exactly what he needs. Playing five sets is another unknown and not even he can respond to that. But he was so far ahead of everyone that I believe he is still capable of a great run at Roland Garros. I don’t want to put pressure on him, even if he can handle that too!”

The 2009 French Open winner added: “It is a very open tournament. I still think that the favourites are those who have played well on clay this year.