Roger Federer’s emotional letter to Rafael Nadal before his farewell | ATP Tour

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Federer’s emotional letter to Nadal before his farewell

The Swiss dedicated a heartfelt message to the Spanish

November 19, 2024

To celebrate the end of Rafael Nadal’s historic career in this week’s Davis Cup finals in Malaga, ATPTour.com is publishing a series of articles paying tribute to the Spaniard. Watch our #RafaAlways series.

Roger Federer knows the career of Rafael Nadal like no one else, with whom he built one of the most exciting sports rivalries of all time. On the occasion of the Spaniard’s retirement, the Swiss shared an emotional farewell letter through his social networks, underlining the enormous human bond that has united them in parallel to their competition on the fields.

Fans from all over the world connected with tennis thanks to both figures, great protagonists in a golden era for the ATP Tour with 40 unforgettable duels in all types of settings. A journey that Roger has captured with emotion in the following letter:

Come on, Rafael Nadal!

As you prepare to graduate to tennis, I have a few things to share before I maybe start getting excited.

Let’s start with the obvious: you defeated me – many times. More than I managed to defeat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could have managed. On clay, I felt like I was entering your territory, and you made me work harder than I ever imagined just to keep my place. You made me reimagine my game, even to the point of changing the size of my racket, looking for any small advantage.

I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took that to the next level. Your whole process, all those rituals. Arranging your bottles like tin soldiers in formation, arranging your hair, adjusting your underwear,… All of this with maximum intensity. Secretly, I loved everything you did. Because it was something so unique, it was so yours.

And, you know what, Rafa? You made me enjoy the sport even more.

Okay, maybe it wasn’t like that from the beginning. After the 2004 Australian Open, I managed to reach world No. 1 for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And he was. Until two months later, when you entered the court in Miami with your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you clearly defeated me. All those voices talking about you – an incredible young man from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably a Grand Slam winner one day – were not in vain.

We were both at the beginning of our journey, an adventure that we have completed together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: what an incredible career you have achieved! Including 14 Roland Garros titles, something historic! You made all of Spain proud and you have given pride to the entire tennis world.

I keep thinking about all the memories we have shared, promoting the sport together. Playing that match on a grass and clay court. Breaking the attendance record by gathering more than 50,000 spectators in Cape Town (South Africa). Always having a good time together. Wearing each other down on the court and sometimes almost having to hold on to each other during awards ceremonies.

I remain very grateful for your invitation to Mallorca to help launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016. In fact, I practically invited myself. I know you’re too polite to insist I go, but I didn’t want to miss it. You have always been a role model for children around the world. Mirka and I are delighted that all our children have trained at your academies. They had a great time and learned a lot – like thousands of young players have done. Although I was always worried that one of my children would come home playing like a lefty.

And I couldn’t forget London, with the 2022 Laver Cup. My last game. It meant everything that you were by my side, not as a rival but as a doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, sharing those tears, will always be one of the most special moments of my career.

Rafa, I know that you are focused on the last chapter of your immense career. We’ll talk when it’s all over. For now, I simply want to congratulate your family and team, everyone who played an important role in your success. I want you to know that your old friend will always be cheering you on, and wishes you the best in everything you do next.

Your eternal follower,

Roger