“Only legends around me,” Roger Federer revisits the emotional farewell match he played with Rafael Nadal

The famous photo of the sobbing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal took just seconds to go viral all over the internet back then.

“Only legends around me,” Roger Federer revisits the emotional farewell match he played with Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal (Image via Imago)

Roger Federer revisited the final day of his remarkable career when the whole world of tennis saw him play for the one last time. He joined forces with his biggest rival Rafael Nadal for a doubles match for Team Europe and as it ended, it created an emotional atmosphere as tears welled up in the eyes of Federer and Nadal, who forgot their rivalry, and sat side by side holding hands.

During an interview, Federer talked about telling about his retirement to his family members and a few close friends and how he communicated the same to Nadal 10 days before making the shocking announcement on social media. Federer recalled that moment when he was surrounded by the legends, peers, family, close friends, and the fans on Center Court on September 24, 2022. 

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Where we sit together and Ellie Goulding sings, some peace returned for the first time. I was able to let everything swelt a little. At that moment you just think: I've already been lucky in my life! That I can experience this. It's so beautiful, all my loved ones are there: family, friends, the whole team behind and all the players. Only legends around me. Rafa then sits next to you, then you think: Hey, it's a special world here.
Roger Federer told SPORT BILD (via Welt Go) 

There are images and videos of Federer that he wanted to keep only for his family but decided to share them with his fans. Those clips are now made into a documentary, ‘Federer: Twelve Final Days‘, which is out now on Amazon Prime. 

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Roger Federer keeps a photo of him and Rafael Nadal at his home 

The famous photo of the sobbing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal took just seconds to go viral all over the internet. In an interview with El Pais, the 42-year-old explained why he had the picture- which is extra special for him- framed at his house.

Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer (Image via X) 
And when I pass by it, it always catches my attention because it reflects our camaraderie, our friendship, and also the rivalry, all in one single image. 
Roger Federer told El Pais

After that match, Federer closed a marvelous chapter in his life. About 26 years ago, Federer turned pro (in 1998), then in 2003, he won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, which he went on to win seven more times. With 103 career titles, Federer stands second on the list in the Open Era and was ranked World No. 1 for a staggering 310 weeks.

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