Roger Federer pens an emotional letter ahead of Rafa Nadal’s farewell match at the Davis Cup
Roger Federer penned an emotional farewell letter to Rafael Nadal ahead of his retirement following the Davis Cup Finals.
Follow Us
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (via CNN)
It will certainly be an emotional week for Rafael Nadal as takes the final stage of his illustrious career at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. The 38-year-old will be the third member of the Big Four to hang his racket for good.
Nadal’s former rival Roger Federer penned down a farewell letter on social media. The Spaniard is a true legend of tennis, having won 22 Grand Slams in his career, with 14 of them coming at the French Open. In all, he has won 92 titles in his career.
Nadal is set to represent Spain when it takes on the Netherlands at the Davis Cup Finals on Tuesday (November 19). Spain’s captain David Ferrer has not revealed whether the 38-year-old legend would feature in either the singles or doubles.
Ahead of Nadal’s career final tournament, Federer took to Instagram to share an emotional goodbye to his former competitor.
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. You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge.
Roger Federer wrote on Instagram
The Swiss maestro reflected on the memories he had with Nadal, both on and off the court. He made sure to congratulate the Mallorcan for defining tennis forever in his country and his historic 14 French Open titles.
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.
Roger Federer continued
Federer also spoke about his excellent friendship with Nadal outside tennis. He mentioned in the letter that he was grateful to be at the launch of the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy in 2016.
Roger Federer thanks Rafael Nadal for partnering with him at the 2022 Laver Cup
Rafael Nadal played a vital role during Roger Federer’s farewell tournament at the 2022 Laver Cup in London. The two paired in doubles and lost to Team World’s Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe 6-4, 6-7, (9-11).
Despite their loss, Federer has not forgotten the role Nadal played at the tournament, as both players were seen crying together. Federer revealed in the aforementioned letter that that was one of the most special moments of his career.
And then there was London—the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.
Roger Federer wrote on Instagram
Federer and Nadal faced each other 40 times, with the former trailing 16-24 in the head-to-head. The 2008 epic Wimbledon final between them is considered one of the greatest matches in the history of the sport.
Stay Updated!
Victor Okechukwu
(719 Articles Published)