Rafael Nadal criticizes Roger Federer in the Australian Open row: ‘We are not like him’ | tennis | sports

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Rafael Nadal plays French Adrian Mannarino in the fourth round of the Australian Open today. The Spaniard beat Russia’s Karen Khachanov at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Friday, cementing himself as a contender to win the championship. Nadal won the championship only once, in 2009. Three years later, he collided with another icon of the sport, Roger Federer.

Nadal criticized his Swiss counterpart for not speaking out more amid concerns that tennis’s busy schedule is hurting players.

After telling a pre-tournament press conference that he had no intention of being a prominent player in players’ complaints because they had reflected badly on him in the past, Nadal taunted Federer for preserving his image by not speaking out against the sport’s authorities.

The Spanish star said: “For him, it is good not to say anything. Everything is positive.” All is well and well with me, I look like a gentleman’ and the rest can burn themselves.

“Everyone has the right to have their own opinions.”

Later, Nadal spoke about his busy schedule, explaining why Federer naturally outperformed himself, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.

He added: “I love the game and there are a lot of things for which I am grateful.

“The game has allowed me to lead a great lifestyle.

“But to end your career with pain all over your body, is that a positive?

“No maybe [Federer] He has a super body and will end his career like a rose. Neither Murray nor Djokovic will end our careers like a rose.

“Tennis is an important part of my life, but it is a difficult sport.

“We are not like him [Federer] Where it is easy to play. For all of us, it’s a battle.”

Aside from this brief feud, Nadal and Federer’s relationship has been generally good.

READ MORE: Djokovic described as ‘bold’ as McEnroe sends Federer and Nadal message

“I remember Rafa when he was little and he was very shy and he would look at me and said whatever Roger wanted I’m happy with that.”

Sadly, Federer missed this year’s Australian Open as he continues to recover from knee surgery.

The six-time winner, and 20-time Grand Slam champion, missed the 2021 event for the same reason but recovered in time for Wimbledon.

There are now doubts over whether he will be able to play at Wimbledon in June.

In an interview with Le Martin, Federer has ruled himself out of the event as he continues his rehabilitation.

He said: “I would be very surprised if I could play Wimbledon.

I will be able to quietly resume hearings in January and resume hearings in court with complex support in March or April.

So I appreciate my return to competition in the summer of 2022.”

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