22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal penned a heartfelt note to Roger Federer, echoing the thoughts of millions of tennis fans after the Swiss great announced his retirement from professional tennis. Nadal said it was a “sad day” for him personally even as tributes poured in for Federer.
Federer on Thursday, September 15, announced his retirement in a social media post, adding that his last tournament on the ATP tour would be the Laver Cup, starting September 23 in London. It was an unforeseen call as Federer had said at the Wimbledon centenary celebration that he wanted to be back, competing on the grass courts of the SW19 at least one more time. Federer also had hinted he might return to action at Basel later in the year but he shocked the tennis world by announcing his retirement on Thursday.
“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 honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court,” Nadal wrote in a post on social media.
Nadal said that the two players will work together more in the future. Notably, the two will be in action for Team Europe in the Laver Cup, which has now become the most-anticipated tennis tournament of the year.
“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 added.
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– Rafael Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
Federer and Nadal have shared one of the most storied rivalries in sport, leave alone sport. The two greats have met each 40 times on the ATP tour with Nadal holding the edge with 24 victories. A total of 14 matches have been played in the majors, with Nadal leading 10-4.
However, numbers don’t matter as the two legends have produced some absolutely iconic matches over the years, showcasing how the same game can be won with two completely contrasting styles.
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