Roger Federer Shares Touching Retirement Message for Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis last month to the fanfare of millions worldwide, including fellow champion and longtime rival Roger Federer. Ahead of Nadal's final match at this year's Davis Cup, Federer—who himself retired from the sport in 2022—shared a touching message with his friend.
"As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," the Swiss tennis legend wrote on Instagram. "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," he continued. "I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All those rituals. Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear... All of it with the highest intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique—it was so you. And you know what, Rafa? You made me enjoy the game even more."
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Federer went on to reminisce on key moments from both of their careers that paralleled each other in many ways, as they're only a few years apart in age. In 2004, just two months after Federer became the number-one ranked player in the world, he was beaten by an up-and-coming Nadal.
"We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together," he said. "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."
Federer's final match in 2022 was played not against Nadal, but alongside him as the two were doubles partners in the Laver Cup. Now, Federer awaits his friend on the other side of retirement.
"Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done," he concluded. "For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next."
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Nadal's tennis career came to a seemingly abrupt ending Nov. 19 as he lost his quarterfinal Davis Cup match against 29-year-old Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands. Fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who admired Nadal as a child, kept the country's team in the tournament after his win later that day.
"I did it for Rafa," Alcaraz told reporters after his victory. "Let’s see how it goes in the doubles."
Carlos Alcaraz after beating Griekspoor to keep Spain and Nadal’s career alive at Davis Cup
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) November 19, 2024
“I did it for Rafa. Let’s see how it goes in the doubles.” ???? pic.twitter.com/Xc2ksQEQBI