Federer to Nadal
Touching letter: “Will always cheer you on!”
Roger Federer took to social media on Tuesday to write an emotional letter to Rafael Nadal, who is retiring from top-level sport this week at the Davis Cup final. The letter concludes with the words: "All the best, your fan, Roger."
Federer versus Nadal - the two have fought many epic duels in their tennis careers. But the two tennis icons have never lacked mutual respect.
Federer ended his career in September 2022, Nadal will say "Adios" at the David Cup final in Malaga. In the run-up to the event, his long-time rival Federer dedicated emotional and poignant words to the 22-time Grand Slam winner and clay court king.
Federer begins with a few facts. The Basel native refers to the 24:16 record in favor of the Spaniard and describes his emergence on the tour: "After the 2004 Australian Open, I was number 1 in the world rankings for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was - until you came on court in Miami two months later in your red sleeveless shirt, showed off your biceps and beat me convincingly. All the rumors I'd heard about you - about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent who would probably win a major tournament one day - weren't just hype."
Federer also mentions Nadal's on-court rituals. "Putting your water bottles together like toy soldiers in formation, straightening your hair, adjusting your underwear... All that with the utmost intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique - it was just like you," enthuses the 43-year-old about the 38-year-old's habits.
Federer becomes increasingly emotional in his open letter. He mentions various duels, describes his feelings at the award ceremonies and praises the Rafa Nadal Academy, where all four of his children have trained. "And then there was London - the Laver Cup 2022, my last 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 best moments of my career," Federer emphasized.
The 43-year-old continued: "Rafa, I know you're focused on the final stretch of your epic career. We'll talk about it when it's over. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and your team, who have all played a big part in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you and whatever you do next. That's Rafa! All the best, your fan, Roger."
Of the "Big Three", only Novak Djokovic is still an active player. Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have won 66 of 84 Grand Slam tournaments between them. The new tennis generation is now Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and co.
Nadal leaves start open
The Spaniard has left it open as to whether Nadal will also serve himself at the Davis Cup finals in Malaga from Tuesday. He wants to put himself fully at the service of the Spanish team. If this means that he doesn't play any more singles, then that's fine with Nadal. According to him, the 22-time Grand Slam winner has already spoken to captain David Ferrer and asked him not to make any decisions that take his last week on the tour into consideration. "The team comes first and he shouldn't be impressed by the noise from outside. He has to do what's best for the team and that's what I want," Nadal clarified. "I want to help where I can, whether it's as a player or even just being here." If he doesn't see himself ready to win a singles match in training, he will be the first not to want to play. Basically, he doesn't want to pay much attention to the hype surrounding him, emphasized the 38-year-old. "The emotions will come at the end. Before and after that, I will focus on my tasks." Nadal certainly knew one thing: "My life will change a lot after this week."
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