Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer engaged in a rivalry unmatched by anybody else. Federer has met the Spaniard 40 times on the ATP tour, making their rivalry one of the most famous in sports history. Off the court, though, they get along well and are close friends.
Federer wanted his “biggest competitor and buddy” by his side in a doubles match at the Laver Cup when he decided to retire from tennis. The way Nadal reacted after the lengthy and exciting match that ended Federer’s illustrious career on Friday in London was only natural.
After they easily won the first set, it was anticipated that it would be Federer’s flawless farewell performance. However, Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World upset the celebration by controlling their nerves in crucial situations and winning the match 4-6, 7-6(2), 11-9.
Following the game, Federer gave Nadal and his teammate hugs before crying. At that point, Nadal was also seen by the camera to be in tears.
“It’s been wonderful. And of course playing with Rafa, on the same team, having all the guys here and all the legends, Rocket [Rod Laver], Stefan Edberg – thank you. It is amazing, it is [to share the court with Rafa and the others]. I didn’t want it to feel lonely out there. It felt lonely for a second when they told me to come out one more time, it didn’t feel great. But to say goodbye in a team, I always felt I was a team player at heart,” Federer said during his emotional farewell speech on Saturday.
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“Singles doesn’t do that a whole lot but I’ve had a team that traveled with me around the world. It’s been amazing with them. Thanks to everybody who made it work for so many years. Of course being on a team with Andy [Murray], Thomas [Enqvist], Novak [Djokovic], Matteo [Berrettini], Cam [Norrie], Stefanos [Tsitsipas], Rafa and Casper [Ruud] – and also the other team – you guys are unbelievable.”
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