Roger Federer has taken to social media to post a touching tribute to Rafael Nadal, as the Spanish tennis legend prepares to retire after his final appearance for Spain in the Davis Cup Finals.
The Swiss maestro, who hung up his own racket two years ago at the Laver Cup, shared a heartfelt message on X ahead of Nadal’s last professional matches. Federer wrote: “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 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 reimagine my game, even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge. I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. 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.”
Federer heaped praise on his long-time rival, expressing deep appreciation for Nadal’s extraordinary achievements and their shared moments. He said: “Rafa, I have to say: what an incredible run you’ve had,” adding a nod to Nadal’s remarkable “14 French Opens, historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.
“I keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared. Promoting the sport together. Playing that match on half-grass, half-clay. Breaking the all-time attendance record by playing in front of more than 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa.”
“Always cracking each other up. Wearing each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies.”
Federer also expressed gratitude towards Nadal for the invitation to the opening of the Rafa Nadal Academy and for allowing his children to train there. Federer reminisced about his own retirement at the Laver Cup – “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.”
Federer concluded by acknowledging Nadal’s ongoing efforts and success: “Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next. Rafa that! Best always, your fan, Roger.”