Rafael Nadal cried as his great rival, Roger Federer, bid an emotional farewell to tennis at the Laver Cup on Friday, later saying that the Swiss’ retirement meant an important part of him was also leaving the men’s tour.
Pictures and videos of Federer and Nadal crying together after combining for Team Europe in doubles defeat at London’s O2 Arena went viral on social media, leaving their legions of fans in tears.
If there's one thing you watch today, make it this.#LaverCup | @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/Ks9JqEeR6B
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2022
Nadal, who has a men’s record 22 Grand Slam singles titles, said it was an emotional night for him as Federer’s 41-year-old career came to an end against the American duo of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
“For me, has been a huge honour to be a part of this amazing moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing a lot of things together,” the Spaniard said of Federer.
“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments he has been next or in front me in important moments of my life. So has been emotional [to] see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment.”
Federer, who won 20 major singles titles, faced Nadal 40 times in one of sports’ most compelling rivalries.
Despite their rivalry on the court, they have remained friends off it. The Swiss chose to have his final dance with Nadal on his side of the net, which was perhaps most appropriate.
Nadal, who has a men’s record 22 Grand Slam singles titles, said it was an emotional night for him as Federer’s 41-year-old career came to an end against the American duo of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
“For me, has been a huge honour to be a part of this amazing moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing a lot of things together,” the Spaniard said of Federer.
“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments he has been next or in front me in important moments of my life. So has been emotional [to] see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment.”
Federer, who won 20 major singles titles, faced Nadal 40 times in one of sports’ most compelling rivalries.
Despite their rivalry on the court, they have remained friends off it. The Swiss chose to have his final dance with Nadal on his side of the net, which was perhaps most appropriate.
Loud applause greeted Federer and Nadal, or “Fedal,” as they entered the court. Both were overcome with emotion after entertaining the sellout crowd during the match.
“I think every year the personal relationship gets better and better, on a daily basis,” Nadal, 36, told reporters. “I think in some way we understand at the end we have a lot of things similar. We approach the life probably similar.
“On court, we have completely opposite styles, and that’s what probably makes our matches and our rivalry probably one of the biggest and most interesting.
To read our blog on “Retirements of Federer & Williams mark end of sport’s golden age,” click here
