Great rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic laud retiring Rafael Nadal’s legacy and achievements
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Roger Federer (right) has paid tribute to his great pal Rafael Nadal following the Spaniard's retirement announcement.
PHOTO: AFP
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PARIS – It was a day the tennis world has been dreading, and on Oct 10, when 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal announced his retirement,
“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,” 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer, who retired two years ago, said in a post on social media.
“Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour!”
The last man standing from the golden era of the “Big Three”, Novak Djokovic, also chimed in on Instagram: “Your tenacity, dedication, fighting spirit is going to be taught for decades. Your legacy will live forever.”
Djokovic and Nadal clashed 60 times with the Serb edging their rivalry 31-29 while Nadal is ahead 24-16 in the head-to-head count with Federer, including 6-3 in Grand Slam finals.
However, it was the enduring friendship that blossomed between Federer and Nadal that captivated tennis fans more than anything else.
When they first met in March 2004 at Miami, Nadal was just 17 and ranked 34th. Federer was the world No. 1 and had already captured the Australian Open and Indian Wells titles that year.
Their rivalry spanned almost two decades and ended in an emotional London farewell at the Laver Cup in September 2022.
“When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too,” admitted a tearful Nadal as he played Laver Cup doubles alongside 41-year-old Federer in the Swiss star’s final appearance in September 2022.
The two clasped hands as Federer hobbled into retirement.
When Nadal equalled Federer’s haul of 20 Grand Slam titles by lifting his 13th French Open in 2020,
And Federer never begrudged Nadal moving past him to 22 Slams.
“I can call up Rafa and talk about anything. We enjoy each other’s company. We have a million topics to cover. I always feel like any evening we ever spent together, we never have enough time,” said Federer at his London farewell.
As it is, Nadal will call time on his illustrious but injury-plagued career after the Davis Cup Finals in November.
The Spaniard, who won a record 14 French Open titles during his 23-year career, had previously said he expected to retire in 2024 after hip surgery had limited his appearances in 2023.
The 38-year-old was a surprise selection for the Nov 19-24 Davis Cup Final 8
“It’s been some difficult years, these last two especially,” Nadal said in a video posted on social media.
“I’m very excited that my last tournament will be the Davis Cup representing my country. It’s closing the circle because one of my first joys was the final in Sevilla in 2004.”
He has been no stranger to injuries and he suffered the hip problem at the Australian Open in early 2023
He has played only 23 matches in the last two seasons.
Nadal also thanked his family and his team for his stellar career, with a special word for his uncle Toni, who was his coach for most of his time on court.
“I believe that, thanks to him, I have also been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sporting career.”
To his fans, Nadal said: “I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel. Everything I have experienced has been a dream come true.
“I leave with the absolute peace of mind, having given my best.”
The tennis fraternity paid its tribute to one of its greatest stars.
“It’s tough news for, I think, all the tennis world, and not only the tennis world. What I can say, I was very lucky to get to know him... he’s an unbelievable person,” said world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
“We all saw how good he has been as a player, the lessons he taught us, the young players, how to behave on the court, how to handle situations on the court. He gave to all of us a lot of emotions when we saw him playing.
“And also to stay humble in the same time, not changing with the success.”
Fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2, said he was shocked by the news.
“When I watched it, it was tough to accept it. To see him leave tennis, which is what he loves, is painful, it hurts me,” Alcaraz, who will play with Nadal in the Davis Cup, said.
Former Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios added: “Rafa don’t retire I wanna play you one last time. We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck with whatever comes next.”
Portugal football star Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes from non-tennis athletes.
“Rafa, what an incredible race you’ve had! Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world,” he said.
“It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congrats on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!” AFP, REUTERS
