Roger Federer says he and Rafael Nadal have not been talking about their Grand Slam battle race while together at the Laver Cup.
Nadal moved to within just one of Federer’s record of 20 after winning his 19th Major at Flushing Meadows two weeks ago.
In 2020, the race to be the all-time leader in the Grand Slam race could take a decisive swing in favour of Nadal, who is five years younger than Federer.
But this weekend, the two great rivals will be playing with each other for Team Europe at the Laver Cup.
Ahead of the event, Federer and Nadal were asked whether there had been any talk between them about their personal battle.
And Federer joked: “That’s all we’ve been talking about.”
He then added: “No. We haven’t spoken about it. This is not stuff you really talk about.
“I think I’m generally happy for Rafa for winning in New York and winning all the other ones that he has and all the Frenches he’s won.
“It’s just massive respect I have for Rafa, what he’s done. Djokovic, Sampras, you name it. These are things you can’t really control other than when you face each other and you try to stop the other guy.
“But that’s also not the point. The point is trying to win for yourself and your fans, your team, and try to have your best career.
“I don’t feel like it’s an elephant in the room.”
Nadal replied: “I think we are doing our way. I am doing my way.
“I’m not going to bed every night thinking ‘I need to win a number in particular’.
“I just try to enjoy the tennis. Tennis is not only the Grand Slams. Of course, they are important but I don’t take it that way.
“I just try to give me opportunities to compete well every single event.”