Former world number one tennis player, Roger Federer has sent an emotional message to Rafael Nadal who will be hanging his tennis racket this year.
Roger Federer took to his official social media account on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, to appreciate Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard’s last competitive game of his career will be at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this week where he will be representing Spain.
What did Roger Federer say about Rafael Nadal?
“As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional. 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. 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. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. All that buzz I’d been hearing about you about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday – it wasn’t just hype. We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens historic.! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.”
He also spoke about his final game at the Laver Cup where they both teamed up for Team Europe against Team World. Both players were in tears as Federer bowed out of the game.
He continued,
“Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career. Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.”
Federer, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams, won 16 matches and lost 24 including an epic final at Wimbledon in 2008, in the 40 times he faced Nadal.
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