Roger Federer has paid an emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal, who is set to retire at the end of the Davis Cup, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned over two decades.
Nadal is a vital member of the Spanish team that will be participating in the Davis Cup in Malaga, his last competition before hanging his gloves.
Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic were part of the famous “Big Three” in Tennis in the last few years with the trio dominating the sport, while also building a healthy rivalry.
Federer won 20 Grand Slams, a tally only beaten in the men’s game by Nadal on 22, and Novak Djokovic, who holds the record at 24.
Federer reserved special praises for Nadal for bringing the best out of him whenever they clashed on the court.
He said: “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 re-imagine my game – even going so far as to change the size of my racket head, hoping for any edge.
“I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level.
“All those rituals. Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear … all of it with the highest intensity.
“Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique – it was so you. And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.
“Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.”
Federer, who won 20 Grand Slam titles before retiring in 2022, won 16 matches and lost 24 to Nadal in the 40 times they played each other.
You Pushed Me To Improve My Game – Federer Pays Emotional Tribute To Retiring Nadal is first published on The Whistler Newspaper