Roger Federer sends emotional message to Rafael Nadal before his retirement as he picks out his favourite memories
Roger Federer has penned a touching tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of the Spaniard’s retirement.
In October Nadal announced he would end his career after the Davis Cup finals, and Spain will begin their campaign against the Netherlands.
After weeks of build-up in which plenty of tributes have been issued, Nadal will take to the court on Tuesday for what could possibly be the final match of his illustrious career.
Ahead of what will be a difficult week for the tennis world as they prepare to say goodbye to a legend, arguably the most important person in Nadal’s career outside of his family sent him an emotional message.
Roger Federer issued touching tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of his retirement
Roger Federer is arguably the most important person in Rafael Nadal’s tennis career outside of his family.
They shared a rivalry which changed the game and intense battles on court produced a solid friendship that has continued to grow as they have aged.
The pair shared some of their greatest moments on court together and impacted one another in a special way. This was illustrated in a touching message from Federer to Nadal ahead of representing Spain in the Davis Cup finals, in which the 43-year-old picked out some of their defining moments.
“As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional,” the 20-time Grand Slam winner wrote on X. “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.
“Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more. OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. 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 buzz I’d been 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. I keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared. Promoting the sport together. Playing that match on half-grass, half-clay.
“Breaking the all-time attendance record by playing in front of more than 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Always cracking each other up. Wearing each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies.
“I’m still grateful you invited me to Mallorca to help launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016. Actually, I kind of invited myself. I knew you were too polite to insist on me being there, but I didn’t want to miss it. You have always been a role model for kids around the world, and Mirka and I are so glad that our children have all trained at your academies. They had a blast and learned so much—like thousands of other young players. Although I always worried my kids would come home playing tennis as lefties.
“And then there was London—the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.”
Will Roger Federer be in Malaga to watch Rafael Nadal at the Davis Cup finals?
It is unknown if Federer will be in Malaga to see Rafael Nadal retire from professional tennis.
When Nadal was asked if his former rival would be attending, the 22-time Grand Slam champion admitted the pair had not spoken about it.
“I didn’t talk to Roger. I think Roger has a busy schedule,” he explained. The Spaniard however quickly made sure to clarify that this was not due to any bad blood, suggesting the pair would stay in touch in the future.
“This is going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don’t think it’s going to be my last good-bye. So there’s going to be other chances to do something.” Federer, who won the Davis Cup with Switzerland in 2014, would end his message by wishing Nadal well in his final tournament.
“Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done,” he said. “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. Rafa that! Best always, your fan, Roger.”
