Rafael Nadal used Twitter to honour his old foe Roger Federer as the tennis superstar announced his retirement from the game.
“Roger, my buddy and adversary, please. I wished that today had never arrived. For me personally and for sports all throughout the globe, it is a sad day.
It has been an honour and a joy to spend these years with you, experiencing so many incredible experiences both on and off the court “Nadal composed.
“In the future, we will have a lot more time to spend together since we still have a tonne of things to do. For the time being, I really wish you the best of luck with your wife, Mirka, your children, and your family. Enjoy what is ahead of you “Nadal went on.
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, made his retirement announcement in a video posted on Twitter on Thursday.
My body has been communicating with me clearly recently, Federer remarked.
“In the last 24 years, I have participated in almost 1,500 matches. I now have to decide when to call it quits on my competitive career “Added he. After three years of operations and ailments, he finally retires.
Federer, 41, and Nadal, 36, have had a spirited rivalry for over two decades as two of the best tennis players in the world.
Federer ranks third among all-time tennis greats in terms of accolades, behind Rafael Nadal (22 Grand Slam titles) and Novak Djokovic (21 Grand Slams championships).
The bond between Nadal and Federer off the court has received a lot of attention throughout the years.
Federer warmly referred to Nadal as his son in a 2018 Vogue interview. “Playing against Rafa for so many years has been great — he pushed me to innovate, work harder, and improve my game,” he said of his primary adversary. Without him as my main competition, I don’t believe I would be the player I am today.”
Following the conclusion of another tennis legend’s last season of competition, Federer made his declaration. Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, made her retirement from the sport official on August 9. On September 3, she participated in her last match at the US Open.
The Laver Cup, which will take place in London from September 23 to September 25, will include Federer’s farewell game.