Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Spain’s Rafael Nadal pose for a photo prior to the start of the men’s singles final on the Centre Court at Wimbledon, July 6, 2008.
| Photo Credit: AP
Tennis great Roger Federer hailed his former rival Rafael Nadal on Tuesday (November 19, 2024) ahead of the Spaniard’s imminent retirement from tennis at the Davis Cup.
“Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens — historic!” Federer wrote on social media platform X.
“You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.”
Retired Swiss star Federer and Nadal faced each other 14 times at Grand Slam tournaments with Nadal holding a 6-3 advantage in finals.
The Spaniard also had a 24-16 winning record overall in their 40 head-to-head meetings.
“I keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared… always cracking each other up,” wrote Federer.
“Wearing each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies.”
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.
“You beat me — a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could,” Federer continued.
“You made me reimagine my game — even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge.”
Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam winner, will bow out from professional tennis after competing with Spain at the Davis Cup.
David Ferrer’s team face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, although it is unknown if Nadal will participate in the tie.
The 38-year-old has struggled badly with injury in the last few years, leading him to the decision to retire.
‘It wasn’t just hype’
Federer recalled Nadal partnering him in doubles at his own retirement at the Laver Cup in 2022.
“It meant everything to me that you were there by my side — not as my rival but as my doubles partner,” added Federer.
“Sharing the court with…