Rafael Nadal, a tennis great, has opened out about his friendship with long-time adversary Roger Federer.
For years, the two sport superstars competed for Grand Slam titles, each winning 42.
But, while the two have put on some vicious shows on tennis courts all around the world, he has never thought of him as a close buddy.
Nadal claimed it was ‘tough’ to be close friends with his fiercest adversary, but he holds high regard for the Swiss star.
“It’s difficult to be a true friend of a rival, but not because of the competition but because you have to be around them every day,” the Spaniard shared with ElHormiguero.
“Roger is an excellent teammate; we’ve accomplished tremendous things together and contended for key goals.
“Normal people end up having a high regard for their greatest rival.
“We’ve understood sport in a healthy way, but we’ve handled the rivalry in an appropriate , sensible way and we’ve always known how to appreciate each other.”
Over his ATP Tour career, Nadal has faced Federer 40 times, winning 24 of them, including 14 finals.
The 38-year-old last competed on July 21, reaching the Swedish Open final before losing to world number seven Nuno Borges.
Previously, after being plagued by injuries, Nadal was knocked out of the French Open in the first round by Alexander Zverev.
Nadal has previously won 14 French Open titles, more than any other player.
However, the Mallorca-born star has revealed that retirement could be on the horizon.
“I understand that I’m retiring,” he added. “It has been a long time.
“I’ve had a lot of physical problems, so the query is normal. There comes a point when I can’t bear the thought of retiring because you won’t have tried.
“I’ve allowed myself some time to appreciate tennis after a year and a half off the court, and that’s what I’m doing now: enjoying the day-to-day.
“In the end, I’m giving myself time and making a decision once I’m certain about it. I try to accomplish everything as well as possible.
“I ask that they not bring up my retirement in every press conference because else I will believe that I am going to retire.
“My year’s ambitions are now over, and I haven’t accomplished everything I had hoped for.
“I had hoped to be healthier than I was; the injury at the start of the year was unexpected. I believe I arrived at the moment I preferred, but I received an unsatisfactory draw at Roland Garros.
“It’s a possibility; right now, my goals are complete, and I’m allowing myself time. I like training as well as other aspects of my life.”