“What A Career Rafa!” Roger Federer Pens Emotional Message To Nadal (image-twitter/WeAreTennis)
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s legendary rivalry came to a poignant end with Nadal’s announcement that the Davis Cup would be his final tournament. A rivalry that began in the sweltering heat of Miami has now concluded in tears, marking the end of nearly two decades of unforgettable matches.
Federer was already World No. 1 at the time, while Nadal was just 17, and yet the latter ended up winning the match in straight sets. The great friends had met 40 times in total, battling out epics on European clay, London grass, and hard courts from the United States to Australia.
During the Swiss star’s final appearance in September 2022, Nadal, after playing Laver Cup doubles alongside 41-year-old Federer, said in tears, “When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too.”
Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players of all time who has won 22 grand slam titles and spent 209 weeks as the World No. 1. After announcing his retirement, Roger, whom Nadal had considered to be his greatest rival, said he “always hoped this day would never come.”
“What a career Rafa!” Federer wrote on Nadal’s Instagram in response to the 38-year-old’s video outlining his retirement plans. “I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour,” he added.
Nadal had equalled Federer’s haul of 20 Grand Slam titles by lifting his 13th French Open in 2020, the Swiss described it as the “greatest achievement in sport.”
Nadal had equalled Federer’s haul of 20 Grand Slam titles by lifting his 13th French Open in 2020, the Swiss described it as the “greatest achievement in sport.”
The pair had always met each other every once in a year from 2004 until 2015, while Federer would go on to claim seven of their eight clashes.
The two had played out some of the greatest matches in tennis history, including two iconic Wimbledon finals in 2007 and 2008 and the Australian Open finals in 2009 and 2017, among other fixtures.
Tennis great Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from professional tennis after the Davis Cup finals, which are scheduled to take place from November 19 to 24.
Nadal’s journey had inspired many including Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz shared on X, “As a child I watched you on television and dreamed that I would one day be the tennis player who had the immense pleasure of playing by your side at Roland Garros representing Spain in the Olympics! Many thanks for being an example at every level. Your legacy won’t be matched.”
