Real Madrid want to host Federer vs Nadal tennis match at revamped Bernabeu
Real Madrid want to book Roger Federer vs Rafael Nadal for one last epic showdown at their soon-to-be revamped Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
On Thursday, Federer announced plans to retire from tennis next week, revealing in an emotional statement that his age had finally caught up to him following several years of injury setbacks and surgery.
The Swiss superstar is set to partner Nadal to represent Team Europe at the Laver Cup in London – his final professional event – though the two could end up facing each other for one final hurrah if Real Madrid get their way.
READ MORE: Roger Federer to retire as tennis great thanks fans for 'unbelievable' journey
£700m worth of renovations are currently taking place at Los Blancos' iconic 81,000-seater stadium which will see a retractable pitch installed to enable other events to take place like concerts, basketball games and tennis matches.
The La Liga club have not yet confirmed a date for the potential Federer-Nadal blockbuster, though it will likely smash the record for the largest crowd ever at a tennis match if it goes ahead.
Nadal, who is himself a massive Real Madrid supporter, paid tribute to Federer on social media following the 41-year-old's retirement announcement.
On their day who was better – Federer or Nadal? Let us know in the comments section below.
"Dear Roger, my friend and rival," the Spaniard wrote. "I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
"It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court."
Interestingly, he added: "We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that."
Federer and Nadal dominated the world stage like no two rivals had ever done before prior to the emergence of Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray towards the end of the 00s.
The two men had arguably the greatest match in the history of the game at the 2008 Wimbledon final, with Nadal capturing his first All England crown following an epic five hour slog, having lost the previous two finals to Federer.
It's fitting that Federer gets to share the court with Nadal for his final ever match, but to do it as opponents, rather than team-mates, would undoubtedly be the perfect way for the 20-time Grand Slam champion to bow out.
Make it happen, Real Madrid.
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