“Don’t Want to Be Federer’s Boyfriend!” Says Rafael Nadal

VIDEO | Nadal left the media in splits when asked to describe Roger Federer.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the Wimbledon

(Photo: Reuters)

Rafael Nadal had to calm growing enthusiasm over a possible US Open semi-final clash with old rival Roger Federer by warning reporters against making the two appear "boyfriends."

Nadal and Federer, two of the greatest players of all time, have met 37 times, including 12 at the Grand Slams, but never in New York.

When asked to describe what he admires most about Federer, also a long-time off-court friend, Nadal was keen to cool the "bromance."

"I don't want to look like I gonna be his boyfriend, no?" said Nadal, causing a packed media conference room to burst into laughter.

"We don't want to talk these kind of things before important match. We have a lot of respect for each other, no? We played a lot of times. I think we did important things for tennis. We appreciate that. We always had a good relationship. I think he always has been a great ambassador for tennis and for our sport, with good image, of course, and representing good values.

"One important thing that is a great example for kids, doing unbelievable well and doing it with the right attitude.

"That's something I admire as you can admire -- I think I answered already."

For all his praise of Roger Federer, Nadal will not be playing the Swiss ace at Flushing Meadows after Juan Martin del Potro 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (8), 6-4 beat Federer in the quarter-finals on Thursday morning.

Hours after Nadal did his part with an easy-as-can-be victory to get to the semifinals, Federer was unable to join him for what would have been the most-anticipated showdown of the entire two weeks, wasting chances to take control and missing shots he normally makes in the four sets defeat to 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro.

"He came up with the goods when he needed to," Federer said, "and I helped him a little bit sometimes, too, maybe."