Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, posted a heartfelt message on his official accounts following the retirement news of his “friend and rival”, fellow tennis legend Roger Federer from professional tennis.
“I wish this day would have never come.” Nadal wrote. “It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”
“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.”
Over the past sixteen years, Federer and Nadal have forged one of tennis’ most famous rivalries. The Swiss and the Spaniard first met on the court in the third round of the 2004 Miami Open. Their most recent meeting was in the 2019 Wimbledon semifinals.
Federer and Nadal have faced off 40 times. And Nadal has a 24-16 career record against Federer. Nadal has won 10 of the 14 Grand Slam games between the two legendary players.
Next week, two of the greatest players in history will compete for Team Europe in the Laver Cup, Federer’s final ATP event.
“For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London at the @lavercup,“ Nadal said.
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 the court 👇🏻— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022
Federer’s retirement
The 41-year-old Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis in social media posts on Thursday, after winning 20 Grand Slam titles, ranking third all-time among men’s players, finishing five years as World No. 1, and ushering in glorious days of men’s tennis with Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
To my tennis family and beyond,
With Love,
Roger pic.twitter.com/1UISwK1NIN— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries,” Federer wrote. “I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form. But I also know my body’s capacities and limits, and its message to me lately has been clear.”
“I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt, and now I must recognize when it is time to end my competitive career.”
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) September 15, 2022
Federer said that he plans to play tennis again, “but not in Grand Slams or on the tour.” He hadn’t played since reaching the quarterfinals of Wimbledon in 2021, and he revealed in mid-August that he had undergone another knee surgery, but according to his agent, Tony Godsick, the star player was having problems recovering.
In July, he spoke at an All England Club event commemorating Centre Court’s 100th anniversary, expressing his desire to play there “one more time.” He also said that he would be back in action at the Swiss Indoors in October.
“This is a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything the tour has given me,” the Swiss international said.
“But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible.”
Federer concludes the Open era with 103 tour-level titles and 1,251 singles wins. When he reclaimed the top spot in the ATP rankings at the age of 36 in 2018, he became the ATP rankings’ oldest No. 1.
Federer’s dominance was at its peak in 2005 and 2007, when he won eight consecutive Grand Slam finals. He also compiled streaks of 36 quarterfinals and 23 semifinals in a row from 2004 to 2013.