Málaga (Spain), November 19 (AP) Roger Federer, one of tennis’s greatest players, said Rafael Nadal helped him ‘enjoy the game more’ during their rivalry that lasted 40 matches over 15 years.
Before the start of the Davis Cup last eight matches, Federer wrote on social media, “When you are ready to say goodbye to tennis, I want to share a few things before getting emotional.”
Nadal has already announced that he will retire from the game after this Davis Cup season.
Pointing to Nadal’s 26 wins in 40 matches between the two players, Federer wrote, “You beat me a lot.” More than I managed to defeat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could.”
Federer, 43, of Switzerland, was the top-ranked player when Nadal began to dominate international tennis. Nadal defeated Federer in the final of the 2006 French Open, challenging his 7–0 record in Grand Slam finals.
This 38-year-old Spanish player then defeated Federer thrice in a row in this Grand Slam in Paris. He also defeated Federer in the Wimbledon final in 2008, breaking his dream of winning this title for the sixth consecutive time.
In Grand Slam matches, Nadal defeated Federer 10 times in 14 matches, which includes nine title matches between the two. Nadal was successful in winning the final against Federer six times.
Both of them, along with Novak Djokovic, helped form the ‘Big Three’ of men’s tennis. Djokovic is still active at the age of 37 and has a record 24 Grand Slam titles. In this list, Nadal is at second place with 22 titles and Federer is at third place with 20 titles.
Praising Nadal, Federer wrote, “How incredible was your performance.” Winning 14 French Open is historic. You made Spain proud… You made the entire tennis world proud.”
When Federer bid farewell to tennis with a doubles match at the Lever Cup in September 2022, Nadal was his teammate. After this match, both of them became emotional sitting together.
“That moment meant everything to me because you were with me,” Federer recalled of her. Not as my opponent but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night and sharing those emotions will always be one of the most special moments of my career.”
Language Anand Sudhir
Sudhir
