As Rafael Nadal prepares for his remaining event on the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga, Roger Federer penned a heartfelt tribute to the Spanish tennis legend right now. Their rivalry, which started in 2004 on the Miami Open, has been one of the iconic in tennis historical past, with the 2 athletes — alongside Novak Djokovic — forming the legendary ‘Big Three’.
Federer and Nadal Why is Nadal retiring?
“It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end,” Nadal stated, saying his retirement in October 2024. “And I think it is the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined,” he continued. A collection of accidents, together with foot and belly points, had finally led him to this resolution.
Nadal and Federer’s friendship
Whereas Nadal’s legacy as one of many best tennis gamers of all time is cemented — particularly along with his document 14 French Open titles — what stands out much more is the bond shared between him, Federer, and Djokovic. The trio not solely dominated tennis but additionally cultivated a deep respect for one another, which was evident in Federer’s emotional farewell message. His tribute to the Spaniard reads as each a celebration of their rivalry and an acknowledgement of their friendship.
“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. You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge,” he penned.
“I’m not a really superstitious individual, however you took it to the following stage. Your entire course of. All these rituals. Assembling your water bottles like toy troopers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear… All of it with the very best depth. Secretly, I form of liked the entire thing. As a result of it was so distinctive — it was so that you. And what, Rafa, you made me benefit from the recreation much more. OK, possibly not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 rating for the primary time. I believed I used to be on high of the world. And I used to be — till two months later, once you walked on the courtroom in Miami in your purple sleeveless shirt, displaying off these biceps, and also you beat me convincingly.
All that buzz I’d been listening to about you — about this superb younger participant from Mallorca, a generational expertise, in all probability going to win a serious sometime — it wasn’t simply hype. We have been each at the beginning of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking collectively. Twenty years later, Rafa, I’ve to say: What an unbelievable run you’ve had. Together with 14 French Opens — historic! You made Spain proud… you made the entire tennis world proud. I preserve interested by the reminiscences we’ve shared. Selling the game collectively. Taking part in that match on half-grass, half-clay. Breaking the all-time attendance document by enjoying in entrance of greater than 50,000 followers in Cape City, South Africa. At all times cracking one another up. Carrying one another out on the courtroom after which, typically, virtually actually having to carry one another up throughout trophy ceremonies. I’m nonetheless grateful you invited me to Mallorca to assist launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016.
Truly, I form of invited myself. I knew you have been too well mannered to insist on me being there, however I didn’t wish to miss it. You may have all the time been a task mannequin for teenagers all over the world, and Mirka and I are so glad that our youngsters have all skilled at your academies. That they had a blast and discovered a lot — like hundreds of different younger gamers. Though I all the time nervous my children would come house enjoying tennis as lefties. After which there was London — the Laver Cup in 2022. My remaining match. It meant every part to me that you simply have been there by my facet — not as my rival however as my doubles accomplice. Sharing the courtroom with you that evening, and sharing these tears, will endlessly be one of the particular moments of my profession. Rafa, I do know you’re centered on the final stretch of your epic profession. We’ll speak when it’s carried out. For now, I simply wish to congratulate your loved ones and crew, who all performed an enormous position in your success. And I need you to know that your previous buddy is all the time cheering for you, and will likely be cheering simply as loud for every part you do subsequent. Rafa that! Greatest all the time, your fan, Roger,” learn the deeply transferring assertion.
What netizens needed to say 
Even the official Olympics account commented
The outpouring of affection and admiration in response to Federer’s tribute is a testomony to the lasting influence this trio has had on the game and on the hearts of followers in all places.