After stepping away from professional tennis nearly two years ago, Roger Federer has embraced a new rhythm of life, accompanied by fresh challenges. In his latest interview with GQ magazine, the Swiss maestro reflects on old rivals, new passions, and the drive pushing him forward. He also mentions Rafa. Here’s the excerpt.

Q. Obviously anytime Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic win, people think of you, because of your longtime rivalry with both players and because of curiosity about how everyone will finish relative to one another in terms of history. Are you thinking of you when they play? Are you paying specific attention?

Roger Federer: I mean obviously you’re aware when they’re in the finals or you’re aware when Rafa comes back or you’re aware when Novak breaks another record. It’s all good, you know? But I will not set my schedule aside, like, well, This match I have to see. But obviously I’ve followed it and I love to see that, especially Novak’s been going from strength to strength. It keeps on going. And Rafa obviously, I felt sad for him that he has not been able to play nearly as much or at all to what he wanted to do. I hope that he can do what he wants to do in the summer, because even though I have a good feeling for him, and I know he pulled out of Indian Wells and Doha and all that stuff, but I still am very hopeful that he can get back on the train and ride it.

Just like Roger, we all share the hope that Rafa will play and experience joyous moments on clay this season!

Source: GQ