Roger Federer Pens Message to Rafael Nadal Prior to Last Tournament
The greatest clay court tennis player in the history of the open era is calling it a career this month.
Spaniard Rafael Nadal, 38, revealed last month that he is retiring from tennis after this month’s Davis Cup concludes.
Read more: Rafael Nadal Retiring From Tennis
Both of Nadal’s greatest rivals, 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic of Serbia and 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer of Switzerland, have now weighed in with lengthy tributes to their longtime on-court nemesis, and longtime off-court friend.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup
Read more: Tennis Superstar Novak Djokovic Reacts to Rafael Nadal’s Retirement
While Djokovic reacted quickly to Nadal’s decision, Federer waited a bit. He finally took to his social media platforms to celebrate Nadal with a touching tribute this week.
Vamos, @RafaelNadal!
As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.
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…— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024
On Tuesday, the 22-time Grand Slam champion lost in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, to the No. 80-ranked player in the world, Botic van de Zandschulp.
This story will be updated…
