Hopes of Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer exhibition match at Santiago Bernabeau remain alive after latest update from Swiss’ agent
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are two of the sport’s most iconic rivals and have shared many memorable moments on and off the court. The Laver Cup creator and the Swiss legend’s agent Tony Godsick, however, recalls one match with particular fondness.
Speaking to Marca in an interview on the sidelines of the Laver Cup, Godsick said the 2020 Match for Africa comes to mind given the record attendance figure of 51,000-plus spectators.
Federer and Nadal competed at the exhibition match in Cape Town, South Africa and raised over $3.5 million for children’s education in Africa. The attendance record stands till date.
Godsick, however, believes that Federer, if given the option to beat that record, would consider playing another such exhibition match at the newly built Santiago Bernabeau.
The Swiss legend’s agent said both Federer and Nadal like to collaborate, adding that he also shares a cordial working relationship with the Spaniard’s agent Carlos Costa.
He recalled having “very good memories” from their past collaborations including the unique half-grass, half-clay court exhibition match in Mallorca.
“That photo of Rafael Nadal jumping into Roger Federer’s arms is iconic” – Tony Godsick recalls Laver Cup moment
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were a part of the inaugural Laver Cup-winning Team Europe. It made for an iconic moment, with the Spaniard jumping onto the Swiss in celebration.
Recalling the moment, Tony Godick said that sort of display of camaraderie is what makes a tournament like the Laver Cup great.
Federer retired from the sport at the 2022 Laver Cup, playing his final match in the doubles. He partnered none other than Nadal but lost a three-set encounter to Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
“Since Roger Federer retired he hasn’t wanted to play another match as long as he doesn’t feel physically well,” Federer’s agent said. “To my mind comes the record of spectators that they beat in South Africa.”
“We like to do big things. If there is an option to beat that one day, I’m sure Roger will consider it,” he added.
“They both like to collaborate and I like working with Carlos Costa. I have very good memories. We did the half-grass, half-earth exhibition in Mallorca…. Anything is possible in the future,” the Laver Cup creator said.
“That’s what I like about the tournament, that it gives you the option to have these kinds of images, which you won’t see in any other event. That photo of Rafael Nadal jumping into Roger Federer’s arms is iconic,” Federer’s agent said.
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
