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ROGER FEDERER said he “hoped this day would never come” after Rafael Nadal announced his retirement from tennis.
Nadal, 38, called time on his incredible 22-Major, 23-year career on Thursday morning.
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Their careers intertwined during the greatest era of tennisNews Group Newspapers LtdHe released an emotional five-minute video on social media where he explained his decision, revealed he would bow out at next month’s Davis Cup finals and thanked his family, friends and fans.
Nadal also gave a special nod to his “great rivals” – none more so than Federer and Novak Djokovic, with whom he has shared the greatest era in tennis history.
And the Swiss great was one of the first big names to comment on Nadal’s post.
Federer replied: “What a career, Rafa!
“I always hoped this day would never come.
“Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love.
“It’s been an absolute honour!”
Although Federer made a name for himself first, the majority of his career is intertwined with Nadal’s.
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They faced off 40 times, including in nine Grand Slam finals.
Nadal won the head-to-head record 24-16 – with arguably the most famous victory coming in 2008.
After defeat in the 2006 and 2007 Wimbledon finals, Nadal finally got his hands on the famous golden trophy.
It was virtually dark when he collapsed to the turf after completing a 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 9-7 win in four hours and 48 minutes on Centre Court.
Their thrilling rivalry concluded in 2019 when Federer came out on top in their Wimbledon semi-final.
Despite battling it out at the very top of tennis for just about two decades – along with Novak Djokovic who surpassed them both to 24 Majors – Nadal and Federer forged a unique friendship.
And in 2022 when Federer retired, he asked Nadal to play doubles with him in his final professional match at the Laver Cup.
Following the match – which incidentally they lost to American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe – the pair held hands in tears as tributes were made to the departing Federer.
Nadal said in 2022: “Due to our contrasting styles and personalities, due to affinity, in some way we have shared so much.
“Someone I have admired, who I have rivalled and also I have shared many beautiful things on and off the court was leaving.
“In that sense, all those moments, those feelings you have before playing a final of a Grand Slam, of an important tournament, everything that was in the air before those matches. It was different from other matches.
“You know you’re not going to live that again and a part of my life left with him [when he retired].
“It was also the emotion of saying goodbye to someone who has been so important to our sport.”
There were suggestions Nadal may also have bid farewell at the Laver Cup but he has decided to bow out in front of a home crowd in Malaga – and he hopes with a fifth Davis Cup triumph to his name.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist won a staggering 14 French Opens, four US Opens and a pair of titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
In his video, Nadal said: “I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.
“But I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country.
“I think I’ve come full circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004.
“I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry.
“All the people involved in this sport: my long-term colleagues, especially my great rivals.
“I have spent many, many hours with them, and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.”
As well as Federer, plenty of others also chipped in with heartfelt responses.
Nick Kyrgios said: “We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck with whatever comes next.
“Damn. I’ve had nightmares that have woke me up about Rafa – I’m gonna miss them. This was someone that I used to prepare for. He was a motivation – I guess an inspiration. F*** – it’s true – people do bring the best out of you. You were one of those people.”
Coco Gauff added: “You are amazing! It’s been so incredible to witness your greatness and work ethic and be able to learn from it. Wishing you all the best in the next chapter.”
Rod Laver typed: “Another tough one. Retirement is inevitable but I’m going to miss watching this bloke fighting for every point like no other. A truly remarkable human, best wishes @RafaelNadal.”
Katie Boulter joked: “Nope, I/we refuse this application to retire.”
Darren Cahill wrote: “Possessed every quality in an athlete that you want for your own kids to try and emulate. Kindness, respect, hard-working, loyal, generous, belief and a willingness to fight for every single point. A role model. An inspiration to every generation and all-time legend. Well done, Rafa.”
TennisTV replied: “Legend then. Legend now. Legend forever.”
And the French Open simply replied: “King.”
Even football icon Cristiano Ronaldo weighed in: “Rafa, what an incredible race you’ve had. Your dedication, passion and incredible talent have inspired millions around the world. It has been an honour to witness your journey and to be able to call you a friend. Congrats on an amazing career! Enjoy your retirement!”
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EPARafael Nadal's farewell video in full
RAFAEL NADAL announced his retirement from professional tennis at the end of the 2024 season.
He released an emotional, five-minute video confirming his decision to hang up his racquets after 23 years on the ATP Tour and 22 Grand Slam titles.
Here’s what he said…
Hello everyone, I’m here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis.
The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially.
I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations.
It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make.
But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end.
And I think it’s the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined.
But I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country.
I think I’ve come full circle, since one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Sevilla in 2004.
I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience. I want to thank the entire tennis industry.
All the people involved in this sport: my long-term colleagues, especially my great rivals.
I have spent many, many hours with them, and I have lived many moments that I will remember for the rest of my life.
Talking about my team is a little bit more difficult for me because in the end my team has been a very important part of my life.
They are not just co-workers, they are friends.
They have been by my side at all the times I have really needed them.
Very bad moments. Very good moments. Moments when I had to be pushed. Moments they gave me more slack.
We have lived so much together that it is hard to explain.
My family is everything to me.
My mother. I think she has made all the sacrifices she had to make so that we would always have everything.
My wife, Mery, we’ve been together for 19 years. Thank you for everything you have done.
I think you’ve been the perfect travel companion during all these years of (my) career.
To come home and see how my son is growing every day has been a force that has really kept me alive and with the necessary energy to continue.
My sister, I think we have always had an incredible relationship.
My uncle, who is the reason I started playing tennis.
I believe that thanks to him, I have also been able to overcome many situations that have been difficult in my sporting career.
And to my father, who I believe has been a source of inspiration for me in every sense of the word.
I think he has been an example of effort, of overcoming.
Many, many thanks to my father in a very, very special way.
And finally, you, the fans.
I can’t thank you enough for what you have made me feel.
You have given me the energy I have needed at every moment.
Really, everything I have experienced has been a dream come true.
I leave with the absolute peace of mind of having given my best, of having made an effort in every way.
I can only end by saying a thousand thanks to all and see you soon.
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