Home » According to his former adversary, “Roger Federer did not want to retire that way.”

Rafael Nadal has been dealing with a left hip ailment and hasn’t played since January. Feliciano Lopez, a close friend of his and the tournament director for the Madrid Masters, is concerned about Rafa’s on-going ailment. Feliciano mentions Roger Federer‘s example and expresses his desire for his fellow countryman to avoid a similar fate. He wants to see Rafa back on the court soon.

At the Laver Cup in September, Federer played his final match opposite his fierce rival Rafael Nadal, capping off an incredible career. The Swiss played competitive tennis for almost three years while dealing with a persistent knee problem that required three surgery.

With Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, his two closest competitors, ahead of Roger, he finished the 2019 season in third place. Federer played well that year despite turning 38 in August and winning his final Masters 1000 title in Miami.

The Swiss also wasted two match points against Novak in the thrilling Wimbledon championship encounter, losing the tie-breaking set at 12-12. In 2020, Roger got off to a good start and advanced to the Australian Open semifinals.

He was defeated by Djokovic in straight sets, and a few weeks after he announced knee surgery. The Swiss maestro need another in May, capping his campaign with the hopes of a new beginning in 2021. Despite obstacles, Roger persevered with his comeback and returned to the court in March 2021 at Doha, playing two matches before taking a break until May.

Federer lost in Geneva right away and had no matches or form to bring to Roland Garros.

Alongside Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer completed his career at the Laver Cup the previous year.

In Paris, Roger regained his stride and won three matches to move on to the round of 16.

Federer withdrew from the match against Matteo Berrettini because he was pleased with his development and wanted to protect his knee for the cherished grass season. In the second round, Roger was defeated by Felix Auger-Aliassime, marking his first Halle elimination.

Though he was aware that his ongoing knee problems destroyed his hopes of winning the tournament, he yearned for a stronger showing at Wimbledon. During his 22nd and final outing at the All England Club, the veteran halted the time. The oldest player in the Open era defeated Adrian Mannarino, Richard Gasquet, Cameron Norrie, and Lorenzo Sonego to move on to the quarterfinals!

With nothing left in the tank, Roger lost to Hubert Hurkacz and suffered his worst Wimbledon defeat. In Federer‘s first bagel at a Major since the 2008 Roland Garros final, the Pole defeated the Swiss 6-3, 7-6, 6-0. A few weeks later, Roger had the third surgery, which had little effect.

The Swiss struggled to train without getting hurt and chose to retire at the Laver Cup in September of last year. A 20-time Major champion assembled his most fearsome competitors and put on one of the most touching three-day shows in tennis history.

In his final match with Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer lost against Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe after blowing a match point. “As your friend, I worry more. Rafa’s main goal in terms of his tennis is to get to Roland Garros prepared, so let’s see whether he can accomplish that.

However, it concerns me more personally. A player who has achieved success throughout his life is currently experiencing this. He should get better soon, and it would be fantastic if he could compete in Madrid. Every time he plays in Madrid, the locals always show him a lot of support, so I’m concerned that this issue may last for a little while longer.

I feel bad for him because he is going through this, just like Roger Federer did when he was forced to retire after playing a half-assed doubles match. Although there was a good reason for it, I don’t think it was what he had hoped for after everything he has accomplished. Feliciano Lopez expressed his hope that Rafa’s injury wouldn’t be too serious and that he would soon be back on the court.