Tennis legend Roger Federer has paid tribute to his longtime rival and friend Rafael Nadal for the Spaniard’s epic career, which spanned over 20 years, Afrosport reports.
The two tennis legends were rivals on the court for almost 15 years, and as Nadal gears up for his last official tournament—the Davis Cup—this week, Federer penned an emotional farewell to the Spaniard on social media.
Federer stated that Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, made the whole tennis world proud by his feats and performances on the court.
Federer wrote on Instagram; “I thought I was on top of the world. And I was – until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly.
“All that and hearing about you… about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday – it wasn’t just hype.
“We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. 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.”
The duel between Federer and Nadal, famously referred to as Fedal, saw Nadal claim 24 victories and Federer registering 16 wins out of 40 battles.
Federer retired in 2022, winning 20 Grand Slam titles, and in the final match of his career, he teamed up with Nadal in the doubles event as Team Europe took on the Rest of the World at the Laver Cup.
It was such an emotional farewell as both players were in tears as Federer bowed out of the game.
“Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career,” Federer added. “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.”
Nadal will bring an end to his illustrious career after the Davis Cup Final 8 in this month.
The Spaniard will call time on his career, which will see him retire as the second-most successful men’s singles player of all time, behind only Serbian Novak Djokovic.
