Tennis legend Roger Federer wrote a heartfelt letter to Rafael Nadal on Tuesday before the Spanish star joins him in retirement. Nadal will compete in the Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain, this week before bowing out of the sport he has played professionally since 2001.
Federer only turned pro three years before Nadal and they spent their careers competing against each other. The rivalry blossomed into a friendship, and Federer's words this week were full of nostalgia and jubilation as he shared that Nadal had made him “reinvent” his game.
“Let’s start with the obvious: You beat me – well. More than I managed to beat you,” wrote Federer, who is 24-16 behind in his record series with Nadal. “You challenged me in ways no one else could. On sand, it felt like I was walking into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever imagined just to hold my own. You made me reevaluate my game – even.” I even went so far as to change the size of my club head in hopes of gaining some sort of advantage.
Federer listed some of the bizarre things he noticed about his rival's routines and rituals. These included how Nadal likes to assemble his water bottles “like toy soldiers in formation,” how he constantly fixes his hair and adjusts his underwear.
“I'm not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level… And all with the highest intensity,” Federer wrote. “Secretly, I kind of liked the whole thing. Because it was so unique – it was so you.”
Federer recounted some of his greatest moments, such as when he was world No. 1 for the first time after the 2004 Australian Open – only for Nadal to walk around the Miami court two months later in his “red sleeveless shirt.” “shows off his biceps” and punches him convincingly.
“We were both at the beginning of our journey and we took it together at the end,” said Federer. “Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: what an incredible run you've had. Including 14 French Opens – historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.”
Federer also hasn't forgotten how Nadal was literally by his side during his own retirement at the 2022 Laver Cup in London. This event gave us the iconic photo of them holding hands with tears in their eyes – which spoke not only of their legendary rivalry, but also the depth of their friendship. According to El PaísFederer has this photo framed in his home.
“It meant everything to me that you were by my side – not as my rival, but as my doubles partner,” Federer wrote. “Standing on the court with you that night and sharing those tears will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.”
“Rafa, I know you are focused on the final leg of your epic career. We'll talk when it's over. For now I just want to congratulate your family and team who have all played a huge role in your success. And I.” I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering you on and will cheer just as loudly in whatever you do next.
