As Rafael Nadal, one of tennis’ greatest champions, prepares to retire from professional tennis, Roger Federer has paid a heartfelt tribute to his long-time rival and friend. Nadal, who boasts an impressive 22 Grand Slam titles, will conclude his illustrious career at the age of 38 after competing for Spain in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this week.
A Legendary Rivalry: More Wins for Nadal
In an emotional Instagram post, Federer, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slam titles of his own, shared his admiration for Nadal’s achievements and the impact their rivalry had on his career. “You beat me—more than I beat you,” Federer began, acknowledging the fierce competition they had over the years. “You challenged me in ways no one else could.”
Federer reminisced about their first meeting in 2004, when a 17-year-old Nadal shocked the tennis world with his power and skill, defeating the Swiss star in Miami. “I thought I was on top of the world… until you showed up,” Federer wrote, reflecting on the early days of their rivalry. “That amazing young player from Mallorca wasn’t just hype.”
The Clay Court King: Nadal’s Dominance
Federer also praised Nadal’s dominance on clay courts, describing it as “stepping into your backyard” and recognizing how Nadal’s game pushed him to reimagine his own. This rivalry, spanning two decades, has been one of the defining features of modern tennis, with Nadal claiming a record 14 French Open titles—a feat Federer highlighted as “historic.”
Their Final Match: The Emotional Laver Cup Moment
Their final match together was at the 2022 Laver Cup, where the duo, affectionately known as “Fedal,” played doubles for Team Europe. The emotional moment marked the end of Federer’s career and was a poignant reminder of their special bond. “Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career,” Federer said.
Always Cheering for Nadal
As Nadal enters the final phase of his career, Federer expressed his continued support, stating, “I will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.” Their rivalry, built on mutual respect and admiration, has inspired countless tennis fans and left an indelible mark on the sport.
