Rafael Nadal reveals how Roger Federer requested his presence at the Laver Cup despite his personal issues
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Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer - IMAGO / Xinhua
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer gave fans one last show of ‘Fedal’ love at the 2022 Laver Cup. With Federer retiring at the end of his doubles match with Nadal, the two tennis greats played together for the final time in what eventually turned out to be a very emotional moment for both.
With Nadal undergoing personal issues with his wife’s pregnancy, the Spaniard made the trip for only one match to say goodbye to his dear friend. With fans in awe of his love and admiration for Federer, the 22-time major winner gave further details on his situation back home and how he came to play the match.
“He knew that I was in a difficult moment, that my presence at the Laver Cup seemed almost impossible. He announced his withdrawal on the 15th, but ten days before, he called me to tell me what was going to happen. It was a difficult conversation,” said Nadal speaking with radio channel Onda Cero.
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“If it was important for him, for me it was even more important and special,”: Rafael Nadal on Roger Federer’s farewell match
Nadal returned home immediately while Federer stayed back in London with Team Europe as they lost to Team World for the first time. Nadal then spoke in detail on how Federer requested him to come for the one final match and why Nadal despite his personal problems came to London.
“We spent a quarter of an hour talking. He explained to me how his last months had gone and he was frank with me explaining the reasons for his decision. From that moment, he told me that he would very much like me to come and play his last match together, as long as the situation allowed me.
“At the time, even he wasn’t convinced he was ready for the match, until we spoke again and he told me he would be happy to play a doubles match. In the end, I was lucky enough to be able to live this moment, for him it was an important moment and for me it was a great honor.
“If it was important for him, for me it was even more important and special,” added Nadal further as the ‘Fedal’ fanbase was moved to tears seeing the love and respect between the two tennis greats who went from arch-rivals to best friends on the Tour.
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Sarthak Shitole
(3462 Articles Published)