Roger Federer dedicated an emotional letter to Rafael Nadal before his retirement

The Swiss tennis legend, Roger Federerwrote an emotional letter to the Spaniard Rafael Nadala rival in his time as a professional and a friend off the field, in the run-up to the Balearic player’s retirement.

The rivalry between Federer and Nadal marked an era in the history of tennis being the only duo that maintained the top of the ATP Rankings for five years between 2005 and 2011. Between them, they faced each other 40 times in Grands Slams and other circuits where the Spaniard has an advantage in history.

However, this rivalry remained only on the court and both generated an endearing friendship within tennis, even more so when Federer He retired from professional activity in 2022 and was accompanied in his last presentation by Nadal. Now, it is the Balearic player’s turn to leave the courts and he will do so this Tuesday in the series against Netherlands for the quarterfinals of the Davis Cup.

For this reason, the former Swiss racket player took the opportunity to open up emotionally and write a letter to her Spanish rival and friend: “Now that you are preparing to leave tennis, I have a few things to tell you before I get sentimental.”

“Let’s start with the obvious: you have beaten me a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in a way no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was walking into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold on. “You made me reimagine my game, to the point of changing the size of my racket head, in the hope of gaining some advantage.”Federer began by saying.

The Swiss continued to praise him before delving into his memories on the pitch: “I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your entire process. All those rituals. Riding your water bottles like toy soldiers in training, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear… All with maximum intensity. Secretly, I loved everything. Because it was so unique, so you.”

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The complete letter from Roger Federer to Rafael Nadal:

“Come on, Rafa!

Now that you are preparing to leave tennis, I have a few things to tell you before I get sentimental.

Let’s start with the obvious: you have won me a lot. More than I managed to defeat you. You challenged me in a way no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was walking into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold on. You made me reimagine my game, to the point of changing the size of my racket head, in hopes of gaining some advantage.

I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your entire process. All those rituals. Riding your water bottles like toy soldiers in training, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear… All with maximum intensity. Secretly, I loved everything. Because it was so unique, so you.

And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.

Okay, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I reached number 1 in the ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was, until two months later, when you walked onto the court in Miami in your red tank top, showing off those biceps, and defeated me convincingly. All the rumors I had heard about you – about this incredible young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, who would probably win a major one day – were not just exaggerations.

We were both at the beginning of our trip, which we ended up doing together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: You have had an incredible career. Including 14 French Opens, historic! You made Spain proud… You made the entire tennis world proud.

I can’t stop thinking about the memories we have shared.

Promoting sport together. Playing that match on half grass, half clay. Breaking the all-time attendance record by playing in front of over 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Always making us laugh. Exhausting each other on the court and then sometimes having to hold each other up almost literally during trophy ceremonies.

I’m still grateful that you invited me to Mallorca to help launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016. Actually, I invited myself. I knew you were too polite to insist I be there, but I didn’t want to miss it. You have always been a role model for children around the world, and Mirka and I are very happy that all our children have trained at your academies. They have had a great time and have learned a lot, like thousands of other young players. Although I was always worried that my children would come home playing tennis left-handed.

And then there was London, the 2022 Laver Cup. 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.

Rafa, I know you are focused on the last leg of your epic career. We’ll talk when it’s over. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and your team, who have played a huge role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend always encourages you, and will encourage you just as strongly in everything you do next.

Rafa.

Greetings always, your admirer,

“Roger.”