MEXICO CITY 19-Nov-2024 .-Roger Federer dedicated an emotional letter to Rafael Nadal prior to his retirement, which will take place this week depending on Spain’s result in the Davis Cup.
“Come on, Rafael Nadal! As you prepare to graduate from tennis, I have a few things to share before I maybe start getting excited. Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me – many times. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me 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,” the Swiss began.
“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 with maximum intensity. “I secretly loved all this stuff you did. Because it was so unique, it was so you.”
“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 in “I was on top of the world. And I was. Until two months later, when you walked onto the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you clearly defeated me,” he continued.
“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 finished 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 bringing together more than 50 thousand spectators in Cape Town (South Africa). Always having a good time together.
“Wearing each other out 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, practically I invited myself. I know you are too polite to insist that 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 you did. “All of our children trained in your academies. They had a great time and learned many things – like thousands of young players have done. Although I was always worried that one of my children would come home playing like a left-hander,” he said.
“And I couldn’t forget London, with the 2022 Laver Cup. My last match. 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 will talk when everything is 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 for everything you do next. Your eternal supporter, Roger“he concluded.
Rafael Nadal’s last dance begins today. The Spaniard will play the Davis Cup, his last tournament as a professional tennis player and which will mark the closing of an era in tennis. The Spanish team will face the Quarterfinals against the Netherlands, at the Martín Carpena Sports Palace, in Malaga. There are three possible dates for Rafael Nadal’s last match after his retirement: November 19, November 22 and November 24 of this 2024.
Spain is in the Quarterfinals of the Davis Cup, so Nadal’s retirement date depends on whether or not he advances to the Semifinals and Final. When Spain loses, or when it lifts a new title as champion, we will have seen its last match in professional tennis.
