Roger Federer pays an emotional tribute to rival and friend, Rafael Nadal after Spaniard’s career ends

Roger Federer paid tribute to his longtime rival and friend, Rafael Nadal, whose career ended after Spain lost in the Davis Cup quarterfinal against the Netherlands.

Federer and Nadal first played against each other in the third round of the Miami Open in 2004, which the latter won and it kicked off an epic rivalry between the two. Nadal won 24 out of the 40 matches against Federer and off the court, the duo always shared a great friendship despite their intense battles on the court.

“As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional,” Federer said. “Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me — a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground.

“You made me reimagine my game — even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge. I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All those rituals.

“Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear… All of it with the highest intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique — it was so you.

“And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more. OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the No. 1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was — until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. All that buzz I’d been hearing about you — about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday — it wasn’t just hype.

“We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. 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.”

Meanwhile, Nadal was there for Roger Federer when he decided to retire after the 2022 Laver Cup in London and the Swiss Maestro had words of praise for the veteran.

“My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side — not as my rival but as my doubles partner,” Federer said. “Sharing 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’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.”

Nadal and Federer both always admitted that the rivalry between them made them better players as they kept pushing each other to the limits.