We’ve seen intense rivalries across global sports like football, cricket, basketball, Formula 1, tennis, boxing, and much more. But very rarely do you see an on-field rivalry like that between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, one which includes competitiveness, but also friendship and immense respect for each other, on and off the court.
Federer decided to walk away from the game a couple of years ago and Nadal was a major part of that retirement, playing as his doubles partner in that retirement game in the Laver Cup. Today, 38 years old, Nadal played his last game in the Davis Cup for Spain, and Federer decided to post a long, emotional tribute to his long-time friend.
Federer pens emotional noted on Nadal retirement
Federer posted this note on his social media, and appreciated the duo’s friendship over the years. He counted back to his own retirement where the two shared the court on the same side of the net during his last game, where they shared tears as well. He also commented on how he secretly like Nadal’s superstitions like arranging bottles, pulling out his underwear, and more.
“I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. 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,” said a part of the note.
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He also began with how no one challenged him on the tennis court like Nadal did, right from their junior days together. He mentioned how his kids train at the Rafael Nadal Academy and joked that he hopes they don’t convert to lefties some day (since Nadal is a leftie). The main line read, “And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.”
Now hundreds of players may have written tributes to Nadal for his retirement, but none caught as much attention as this one from Federer. He had announced his retirement a while back but it was this last game against Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp which brought the end to an illustrious career, which included a record 14 French Open grand slam titles!
Vamos, @RafaelNadal!
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…
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024
“I keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared. Promoting the sport together. Playing that match on half-grass, half-clay. Breaking the all-time attendance record by playing in front of more than 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Always cracking each other up. Wearing each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies,” added Federer, recounting some fond memories over the years.
“Well said 🥹🥹” replied Serena Williams on this tweet, while several others thanked Roger for this post, and some more spoke about what a true gentleman he was for posting such an honest message for Rafa. For similar tennis stories from around the world, you can remember to always stay tuned to ReadScoops.com.
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