Roger Federer pens tribute to retiring Rafael Nadal
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
Roger Federer (left) and Rafael Nadal are long-time rivals and close friends.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
MALAGA – Roger Federer paid tribute to his retiring rival Rafael Nadal
Nadal is part of the Spain side who began their Davis Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Nov 19 – the result of which was not available at press time – with the injury-plagued 22-time Grand Slam singles champion set to call time on his career after the team competition in Malaga.
The retired Federer, who was part of the “Big Three” of men’s tennis alongside Nadal and Novak Djokovic, posted a letter on X looking back at his rivalry with the 38-year-old.
“Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me – a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could,” Federer said of Nadal, who edged out their rivalry 24-16.
“On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground. You made me reimagine my game – even going so far as to change the size of my racket head, hoping for any edge.”
Federer, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles before retiring in 2022, also poked fun at Nadal’s courtside quirks.
“I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level,” the 43-year-old Swiss added.
“All those rituals. Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear... all of it with the highest intensity.
“Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique – it was so you. And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.”
Nadal was by Federer’s side in his final event when they played doubles for Team Europe at the Laver Cup in 2022, with images of the pair crying together going viral on social media.
“It meant everything to me that you were there by my side – not as my rival but as my doubles partner,” the former world No. 1 said.
“Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.” REUTERS
