Tennis legend Roger Federer announced his retirement from competitive Tennis on Thursday. The Tennis ace will be seen for the last time in Laver Cup 2022. Ever since Federer made the announcement, wishes have been pouring from all corners of the world paying tribute to the legend. Among all the wishes, Federer got a special message from his greatest rival Rafael Nadal. Nadal took to his social media handles and wrote a heartfelt tribute to Federer.
“Dear Roger,my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court,” wrote Nadal. Apart from Nadal, his entire family also congratulated Federer on a successful career.
“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London,” Nadal further wrote.
We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.
For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London @LaverCup— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
When your biggest rival's family pays tribute to you. Respect. ?#Fedal #FedalForever pic.twitter.com/rrY99Av6Sd
— Joyce Franco (@SantJordao) September 15, 2022
The duo got head-to-head against each other on 40 occasions, with Nadal having a 24-16 lead over the Swiss tennis great. Despite their intense encounters on the court, both the legends continued to share a healthy friendship and were always seen enjoying each other’s successes.
Nadal will and Federer will be seen together for the final time on the court when the duo will represent Team Europe against Team World in Laver Cup. They will also be joined by Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsistipas, and Andy Murray.
Federer and Nadal are the only players in men’s tennis history to have finished at no.1 and no.2 in ATP rankings for six consecutive years. Nadal led in the clay court duels against Federer (14-2), while Federer finished with a 3-1 lead on grass against the Spanish star. In the outdoor hard court, Nadal ended with an 8-6 lead. The two, however, never faced each other at the US Open.
