“That showed very clearly what kind of person Rafa is,” Bjorn Borg says THIS moment highlights the bond between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
Bjorn Borg recalled the overflow of emotions from Rafael Nadal during Roger Federer's farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup.
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Bjorn Borg (inset), Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer (via Open Source/X)
Bjorn Borg recalled the 2022 Laver Cup, where Roger Federer‘s retirement overshadowed everything else, including the tennis. The Swiss maestro called time on his career, with the farewell being an emotionally charged affair.
Federer’s last career match was a doubles contest alongside his friend-cum-rival Rafael Nadal. The pair faced Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, and lost 4-6, 7-6[2], 11–9. While Federer was given a standing ovation after the match, everyone on the court, including Nadal, was in tears.
Recalling that moment, Borg admitted that he was surprised to see Nadal cry during Federer’s farewell. He felt that the emotions were proof of how much the Spaniard cared about Federer.
We all knew that Roger was going to end his career. But I was surprised that Rafa was crying next to Roger. That was the first time I thought to myself: "You're going to keep playing, aren't you Rafa?" The fact that he was crying just shows how much he cares about Roger.Bjorn Borg said (via tennismagazin)
The Swede highlighted Nadal and Federer’s incredible rivalry over the years and said he was sorry to see it end. Borg opined that Nadal getting emotional about a rival’s retirement showed the kind of personality he has.
The two of them have played so many great matches, incredible tennis. And Rafa was just sad that his friend and rival was leaving the tour. That showed very clearly what kind of person Rafa is. I feel a little sorry for both of them that this rivalry had to end. But it was still nice to see. It was very emotional for me too.Bjorn Borg added
Nadal and Federer faced each other 40 times on the ATP tour, with the Spaniard leading 24-16 in the head-to-head. Of the 40 meetings, 20 were on hard court, 16 on clay, and four on grass.
Bjorn Borg says 2024 could be Rafael Nadal’s last year on the ATP Tour
After withdrawing from the US Open, Rafael Nadal confirmed that he would take part in the Laver Cup in Berlin. However, he recently announced that he was pulling out of the event, a move that surprised many. It has only added to the speculation about when he might retire.
Bjorn Borg has stated that he expected 2024 to be the final season of Nadal’s career. He said that everyone has been hoping that he stays injury-free and plays in a few tournaments before hanging up his racket once and for all.
We all know it's his last year. The whole world is hoping that he stays injury-free at best and can play the tournaments that matter most to him. I haven't seen or spoken to Rafa yet. We've only exchanged a few short messages.Bjorn Borg said
This has been one of the most challenging seasons of Nadal’s career. After spending most of 2023 on the sidelines due to a hip injury, he returned to play in just six tournaments, including a single Grand Slam match at the French Open.
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Anirudh Velamuri
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