Rafael Nadal has clarified the reason behind Roger Federer’s notable absence from the grand celebration marking a major milestone for the Rafa Nadal Academy in Manacor. While Nadal reunited with a host of tennis legends and former rivals, including Andy Murray, Dominic Thiem, and David Ferrer, for a special exhibition event on the island, his long-time rival and close friend Federer was missing from the lineup.
Given Federer’s historic ties to the academy, having famously attended its official opening back in 2016, his absence immediately sparked questions. However, speaking about the Swiss maestro, Nadal in a chat with L’Equipe, dismissed any speculation, pointing purely to scheduling conflicts. Nadal revealed that Federer had already made a private trip to Mallorca earlier in the summer to tour the facilities and the museum “Roger came during the summer, it was great.
It’s always a pleasure to have Roger here, as it is with any other player,” Nadal explained to L’Equipe.
“He has been a great supporter of the Academy from the beginning; he came to the opening, but this time it was impossible for him because of his schedule.” Despite Federer’s absence on the day, Nadal expressed immense gratitude for the stellar turnout of tennis icons who came together to celebrate the academy’s enduring legacy.