Federer and Nadal smooth over rare public rift

If they both win their first five matches, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will square off in the semifinals of the Australian Open.

But these two all-time greats, who have always seemed to get along famously, had a rare public disagreement over the weekend.

Nadal, who has always treated Federer with deference, was frustrated that the Swiss superstar was not taking a public stance against tour organizers over prize money and an over-demanding tennis calendar.

Sniped Nadal: “For him, it’s good to say nothing. Everything positive. ‘It’s all well and good for me, I look like a gentleman,’ and the rest can burn themselves.”

A day later Nadal was not sorry for what he said but sorry he had done it so publicly.

“Probably I am wrong telling that to [the media], especially because these things can stay, must stay in the locker room,” Nadal said. “I always had fantastic relationship with Roger; I still have fantastic relationship with Roger, it’s just I said we can have different views about how the tour needs to work. That’s all.”

For his part, Federer did not seem to be holding a grudge: “We can’t always agree on everything,” Federer told reporters after a straight-set win over Alexander Kudryavtstev. “So far it’s always been no problem really. Back in the day he [Nadal] used to say, ‘Whatever Roger decides, I’m fine with.’ Today he’s much more grown up. He has a strong opinion himself, which I think is great.”

Between them, they have won an astounding 26 grand slam singles titles (16 for Federer, 10 for Nadal) and have enjoyed such a wonderful and respectful rivalry – both such a credit to the game. But Nadal’s body has historically not held up as well as Federer’s throughout an entire season and you have to wonder if that’s why they so strongly disagree.