Federer wrote "your fan" in the complimentary closing of his letter for his rival-turned-friend Nadal before the latter's final tournament, the Davis Cup Finals.
Roger Federer posted a heartfelt letter for his rival-turned-friend Rafael Nadal hours before the Spaniard begins the final tournament of his career in the Davis Cup Finals in his home country.
Federer, who was joined by Nadal in his own farewell in his brainchild Laver Cup two years ago, took time to give tribute to Nadal's achievements in the sport, honor their friendship and congratulate him as he — this time — prepares to hang up his racket.
"Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done," wrote Federer in the letter posted across his social media accounts.
"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," he added.
Roger Federer marks his final match in professional tennis with his doubles partnership with Rafael Nadal in the Laver Cup in September 2022. | Photo (c) Laver Cup
Federer actually began his letter by raining praises on Nadal, recognizing how the latter beat him "a lot" and how the unparalleled challenge he posted against The Maestro motivated him to elevate his game.
"As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," started Federer.
"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," Federer went on.
Nadal holds a superior 24-16 head-to-head tally against Federer, beginning with his upset of the then World No. 1 Swiss in the Round of 32 in Miami 20 years ago.
This was actually mentioned by Federer in his tribute, saying that while Nadal made him "enjoy the game even more," it was not like that at the beginning, especially as he has just gained the top ranking for the first time in the Australian Open in 2004 when the then up-and-coming Spaniard beat him in their maiden meeting in the hard courts of Miami, 6-3, 6-3, just months later.
"...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," said Federer.
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On clay, Nadal holds a staggering 14-2 head-to-head against Federer, including four victories in the finals of Roland Garros. Their last meeting on the red dirt was also in the Parisian major in 2019, which Nadal won via sweep in the semifinal stage.
As Federer looked back on Nadal's journey which was intertwined with his, the Swiss went on to laud Nadal's particular achievement in Roland Garros where the Spaniard won a whopping 14 titles — the most for any player, male or female, in a single Grand Slam.
"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," said Federer.
Rafael Nadal in tears during Roger Federer's farewell in the Laver Cup will forever be etched in the hearts of 'FeDal' and tennis fans. | Photo (c) Laver Cup
From Nadal's rituals — arranging his water bottles and fixing his hair and shorts prior to serving which Federer said he loved as it made Nadal uniquely him — the Swiss proceeded to enumerate the moments they shared as their friendship and respect for each other grew.
Federer mentioned the "Battle of Surfaces" in 2007, an exhibition match which was played on a court that is half-clay, half-grass, the latter being the eight-time Wimbledon champ's best surface.
Nadal prevailed, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (12-10) in front of his home crowd in Mallorca.
Thirteen years later, it was Nadal's turn to head on to the home country of Federer's mother, South Africa, as they played in a friendly in front of a record 51,954 crowd — the highest ever for a tennis match — at the Cape Town Stadium.
Federer won this time, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
"I keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared. Promoting the sport together," said Federer.
Federer further recalled how he and Nadal pushed each other on the court and made each other laugh off it.
"Always cracking each other up. Wearing each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies," said Federer.
He also mentioned how he "invited myself" in the launch of the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016 as Nadal was "too polite to insist on me being there" and added that he "did not want to miss it."
He also pointed out how Nadal "has always been a role model for kids around the world" and expressed his and his wife Mirka's appreciation that their children trained there.
"Mirka and I are so glad that our children have all trained at your academies. They had a blast and learned so much — like thousands of other young players. Although I always worried my kids would come home playing tennis as lefties," said Federer.
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He wrapped up his recollection of their shared moments with their doubles partnership as the 20-time Grand Slam titlist bid goodbye to his own legendary tennis career.
"And then there was London — the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side — not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career," said Federer.
Federer ended his letter by saying "Rafa — instead of Roger — that!" and "Best always, your fan," before writing his name.
Fans were hopeful that Federer would also make an appearance in the 22-time major winner Nadal's last tournament, which begins with Spain's tie with Netherlands on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 12 a.m., Philippine time.