As if Federer’s Emotional Retirement speech wasn’t enough, Rafael’s goodbye message was sure to make one heavy hearted. Read the story to find out what the Spanish legend said of his Swiss rival.
Federer had already announced that the Laver Cup would be his last tournament in the professional circuit. Both lost the match against their American counterparts. However, the tennis maestro not only received applauses from the crowd, but also left almost everyone teary eyed. Eventually, Rafa and Roger lost in the match tie-break to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. That was not the important part of the evening since all was about celebrating Federer’s incredible career. If Federer’s emotional speech got you choked, his friend and rival Rafael’s goodbye message shall give you goosebumps.
Both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were the fiercest of rivals on the court. In spite of their spirit of competitiveness on the field, they became the best of friends off-field. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have locked horns with each other 40 times. Their actual record stands at 24-16 in Rafael’s favour . The last time they met, Roger Federer won 7-6(3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in London (Wimbledon) in July 2019. Thus, it was no wonder that Rafael Nadal agreed to play alongside his friend in the Laver Cup.
Roger Federer’s Tennis Retirement Sends Fans In Shock
Rafael’s goodbye message to Federer speaks volumes of their friendship
Legends are worshipped everywhere. They leave their mark even when not in action. Whether it was Rod Laver in Tennis, Sachin Tendulkar in Cricket, Ronaldo and Messi in Soccer and Roger Federer in Tennis, they all are at the top. Legacy is what differentiates a normal from a legend and the same can be said for Federer and Nadal. Both equally competitive and committed they bought the best in each other. While the former was outstanding on grass, the latter simply unbeatable on clay. Outside the court they were normal individuals sharing the best moments. So it was no wonder that Rafael expressed his feelings after retirement of his friend and rival. After the match, the last match of Roger Federer as a professional player, Roger and Rafa could not hold their tears and they were caught holding hands crying. In a post writing a personal note for Roger addressing him Dear Roger he said the following.
“Dear roger, my friend and rival
I WISH THIS DAY would have never come.IT’S A SAD DAY FOR ME PERSONALLY AND FOR SPORTS AROUND THE WORLD.IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off court 👇🏻
Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
Rafael’s wished his friend goodbye, contents seemed to express his sadness
Federer’s last match could not be more epic. Strong emotions poured from everywhere, just showing how his game touched everyone. Also joining the storm of emotions was his rival and dear friend Rafael Nadal. After the match both Rafael and Novak were seen in tears. Nadal also mentioned that with Federer leaving, an important part of him was leaving too.
Nadal called it an honor to have been a part of the historical moment
As curtains came down on Federer’s incredible career, Nadal’s goodbye speech had plethora of emotions. He summed it as a historical moment and expressed gratitude for the same. He added his state of mind at the moment.
“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments he has been next or in front me in important moments of my life. So has been emotional (to) see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment.”
Rafael expressing his feelings on Roger’s retirement
Both Rafael and Roger were seen holding hands post Roger’s farewell speech.
Also read: Roger Federer’s Farewell Speech Breaks Fans and Netizens Down