Rafael Nadal reveals congratulations message from Roger Federer after French Open victory

Rafael Nadal has revealed that Roger Federer sent him a private message of congratulations following his record-extending French Open victory. Nadal beat Casper Ruud in the final to win for the 14th time in Paris and secure his 22nd Grand Slam title. Ad/> He is now two ahead of Federer and Novak Djokovic in the all-time Grand Slam standings, and it was noticeable after the final that neither Federer nor Djokovic posted a congratulatory message to Nadal on social media.

Roland-GarrosNadal more 'fun' to watch than Djokovic or Federer, says Wilander4 HOURS AGO However, Federer's silence at least seems to have only been in the public forum. “With Roger we have a good relationship and a special feeling,” Nadal told Sky Sports in Italy. “After the victory he wrote me a message to congratulate me." Wilander: Nadal more 'fun' to watch than Federer or Djokovic Raducanu hints at Murray doubles partnership this summer While Nadal has opened up a gap over his long-time rivals, he has also cast doubt over how much longer he will play tennis due to a chronic foot injury.

Nadal said after the French Open he is planning to get treatment and hopes that he will be able to play Wimbledon. However, any absence from the tour for Nadal would give Djokovic the chance to make up ground. «Anything can happen,» Nadal told the ATP.

«Clearly Novak is in the best position to be able to beat that because he has no physical problems, and he’s playing at a spectacular level. »Federer has been out for a long time and you can always expect something special from him, but we all know how difficult it is to come back, even more so at 40. We’ll see what happens.