Roger Federer pens emotional tribute to retiring Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer paid a heartfelt tribute to his longtime rival Rafael Nadal on Tuesday, praising him for pushing the limits of tennis and making the sport proud over a career spanning more than 20 years.

Nadal, part of Spain’s Davis Cup team, is set to play against the Netherlands, with the tournament in Malaga marking the final chapter of his glittering journey in tennis. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has faced ongoing injury struggles and plans to retire after the competition.

Federer, a member of the legendary “Big Three” alongside Nadal and Novak Djokovic, shared a touching letter on social media reflecting on their storied rivalry.

“Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I ever managed to beat you,” Federer wrote, acknowledging Nadal’s 24-16 edge in their head-to-head record. “On clay, it felt like stepping into your territory, and you pushed me to work harder than I thought possible.”

Federer credited Nadal with reshaping his game, even prompting him to change his racket to better compete. He also lightheartedly poked fun at Nadal’s well-known courtside habits.

“I’m not very superstitious, but your rituals—lining up your water bottles, fixing your hair, adjusting your shorts—were something else,” Federer teased. “Secretly, I loved it. It was so uniquely you.”

The two legends shared an unforgettable moment in 2022 when Nadal joined Federer for his farewell match at the Laver Cup, playing doubles together for Team Europe. Images of them crying together after the match captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

“It meant the world to me that you were by my side—not as my rival, but as my doubles partner,” Federer said. “Sharing the court and those tears with you will always be one of the most special memories of my career.”