Rafael Nadal has clarified that the legendary trio of tennis icons who dominated the sport for two decades—Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic—never maintained a shared digital communication channel. In a recent interview, the 22-time Grand Slam champion dismissed the notion of an active group chat between the three rivals.
Addressing the topic during a video call from his home in Mallorca, Nadal explained that the differing stages of their respective careers made such a collective thread impractical. “We don’t have any chat,” Nadal stated. “Novak is still in competition.”
While a “Big Three” group chat never came to fruition, Nadal confirmed that his personal communication with Federer remains frequent. The two retired stars maintain contact on a near-weekly basis, discussing everyday topics including family, golf, and general life updates. Nadal characterized these interactions as the standard friendship of two former rivals who have moved into a new phase of their lives.
Potential exhibition matches with Roger Federer
The possibility of a future exhibition match between Nadal and Federer remains a topic of conversation between the two. Although no specific date, venue, or formal agreement has been established, Nadal indicated that the two have discussed the prospect at length.
“I am open to it and have had long conversations with Roger,” Nadal noted. During the discussion, the Spaniard also offered a lighthearted reflection on the current state of professional tennis, joking that he and Federer were “much, much better” in their prime before adopting a more measured tone regarding the modern generation of players.
Return to the court at the MGM Slam
Although Nadal retired from professional tennis in November 2024, he has a confirmed return to the court scheduled for early 2027. He is set to participate in the MGM Slam presented by Capital One, an exhibition event designed around his involvement. The match is slated for February 28, 2027, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, occurring one week before the ATP Masters 1000 in Indian Wells.
Regarding his current approach to the sport, Nadal emphasized that he is no longer chasing tournament results or rankings. He noted that his participation is driven by the desire to prepare and the physical sensation of striking the ball. When asked about the prospect of taking on a coaching role, Nadal maintained that while he would not rule it out entirely, it is not a focus for the immediate future, citing the time commitments required by his young family.
Frequently asked questions about Nadal’s post-retirement career
Will Rafael Nadal pursue a full-time coaching career in the near future?
No. Nadal has stated that he is not currently looking to take on a full-time coaching position, primarily due to the significant time demands that such a role would place on his life as a father of two young children.
What is the status of the exhibition match in Las Vegas?
The MGM Slam presented by Capital One is officially scheduled for February 28, 2027, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is timed to take place one week prior to the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Indian Wells.
What role will Nadal hold at Real Madrid?
The club’s board of directors has agreed to appoint Nadal as a new executive member. The appointment is currently awaiting final ratification by the club’s General Assembly of Members.
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