Roger Federer This Monday he published a message on his social media accounts that will touch the hearts of tennis fans and, above all, the recipient of the message: Rafa Nadal.
Hours before the start of the Davis Cup finals in Malaga, the former Swiss tennis player reviews what they both experienced, in a text that does not need comments. Better read it:
Roger Federer’s message to Rafa Nadal before his Davis Cup match
«Come on, Rafa!
As you prepare to graduate from tennis, I have a few things to share before I get excited.
Let’s start with the obvious: you won me… a lot. More than I managed to win from you. You challenged me in a way no one else could. On clay, I felt like I was walking into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold on. You made me reimagine my game, even going so far as to change the size of my racket head, hoping for some advantage.
I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your entire process. All those rituals. Gather your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fix your hair, adjust your underwear… All this with maximum intensity. Secretly, I loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique, it was so you. And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more. Well, maybe not at first.
After the 2004 Australian OpenI reached number one in the ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And it was, until two months later, when you entered the court of Miami in your red sleeveless t-shirt, showing off those biceps, and you won me over convincingly.
All that noise I had been hearing about you, about this incredible young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, who would probably win a Grand Slam one day, it wasn’t just advertising. We were both at the beginning of our journey and it’s a journey we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible streak you’ve had! Including 14 Roland Garros¡historic! You made Spain proud…you made the entire tennis world proud.
I keep thinking about the memories we have shared. Promoting sport together. Playing that match half grass, half clay. Breaking the all-time attendance record playing in front of over 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. We always made each other laugh out loud. We would get tired on the pitch and then sometimes literally have to hold ourselves up during trophy ceremonies.
I still thank you for inviting me to Mallorca to help launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016. I actually invited myself. I knew you were too polite to insist I be there, but I didn’t want to miss it. You have always been a role model for children around the world, and Mirka and I are very happy that our children have trained at your academies. They had a great time and learned a lot, like thousands of other young players. Although I was always worried that my children would come home playing tennis left-handed.
And then there was London, the Making the Cup in 2022. My last game. 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.
Rafa, I know you are focused on the last part of your epic career. We’ll talk when it’s over. For now, just I want to congratulate your family and team. They all played a fundamental role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always encouraging you and will continue to encourage you just as strongly in everything you do next.
That’s Rafa! Greetings and always your fan, Roger».
