Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have a rivalry on court , but also a friendship off it . Sixteen - time grand slam champion says some people might find friendship strange but it 's good for him . He starts defense of Australian Open title in Melbourne this month . ` It is n't the first time that I have been written off . New coach Paul Hunter has urged Federer to be more aggressive .
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have a rivalry on court , but also a friendship off it . Sixteen - time grand slam champion says some people might find friendship strange but it 's good for him . He starts defense of Australian Open title in Melbourne this month . New coach Paul Hunter has urged Federer to be more aggressive .