Rafael Nadal described Roger Federer’s retirement as “saying goodbye to an important part of my life.” Nadal, 36, witnessed Federer’s farewell at the Laver Cup. For the last match of his career, Federer wanted to team up with Nadal for a doubles match.
Nadal and Federer, who created one of the greatest rivalries in tennis history, always had a very respectful relationship. When he finished his doubles match at the Laver Cup and Federer’s career came to an end, Nadal became very emotional and burst into tears.
“Because of the contrast of styles, personalities and affinity, and for sharing so many beautiful things on and off the court, Roger Federer’s retirement meant saying goodbye to an important part of my life,” Nadal said, according to ESPN Tennis.
In London, Federer was joined by his three biggest rivals: Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. While Federer and Nadal played, Djokovic and Murray supported them from the bench. When it was all over, Nadal was where Federer got the chance to enjoy a very memorable tennis farewell.
“It has been a beautiful day, emotional, but also sad. A legend of world sport has retired, without a doubt. He was a fellow adventurer. We share many years on the circuit and many important moments in which we compete together.
I am happy because Roger had an unforgettable night in London at his farewell, with the love of so many people around the world.”
Nadal is currently in Chile
In a recent interview with Puntobreak, Rafael Nadal has revealed that he may have found a solution to his chronic foot injury, which has changed his view of continuity at the highest level.
“The season has had several very different phases and was totally marked by my physical problems. Everything changed when we found an effective treatment for the foot, which has helped me a lot. That radically changed the perspective of my continuity in high-level tennis,” Nadal said.
Rafa, who is currently in Chile on a South American tour, said that he was happy to be playing in there and had great memories from 2013: “I am very happy to return to a country that has always given me so much affection.
I have great memories of when I was here in 2013 and I will never be able to forget my battles against Fernando González. The most important match of my career against a Chilean was the semifinals of Beijing 2008 against him. I also know Nico Massú well, we’ve had good times together.”
