Credits: X
Former Swiss tennis star Roger Federer penned an emotional message for Spaniard tennis icon Rafael Nadal who is set to retire from international tennis. Nadal started his farewell at the Davis Cup finals 2024 in Malaga on Tuesday, November 19. While there is no charity on Nadal’s participation, Spain is set to be up against Netherlands in the Davis Cup Final quarterfinals. Earlier in October, Nadal announced that he would retire after the tournament.
Federer took to X and paid his tributes to the 22-time Majors winner. In his post, Federer admitted that the Spaniard made him work harder. Notably, both Nadal and Federer clashed 40 times in their career, where Nadal emerged victorious 24 times. In his post, the former tennis pro recounted early days of Nadal’s career when he burst onto the stage and quickly ascended to the top.
You made me work harder than I ever thought: Roger Federer
Federer, in an emotional post wrote, “Vamos, @RafaelNadal! 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.”
He added, You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge. 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.”
Federer concluded by saying, “Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done. 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.”
