Federer for Nadal: You made me redefine my game and enjoy it even more.

He is preparing for the grand finale of his career. Spanish tennis legend will compete today (19/11/2024) for the last time as a professional athlete, wearing the jersey with the Spanish coat of arms. Rafa Nadal completes his legendary career, competing with Spain’s colours at Davis Cup in Malaga. The 22-time Grand Slam holder will compete today (19/11/2024) for the last time, with Roger Federer making a moving post, where among other things he states: “You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud”. “As you prepare to retire from tennis, I have a few things to share with you before I become – perhaps – more emotional. Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me a lot. More than I could beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. In the ground, I felt like I was going into your yard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could, just to hold on. You made me redefine my game – even change the size of my racket, hoping for some advantage. I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All these rituals. Putting water bottles like soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear… All this with the greatest possible intensity. Deep down, I liked all this. Because she was as unique as you. And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more. Okay, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I first climbed number 1 of the world ranking. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was — until two months later, when you walked into the Miami field with your red sleeveless shirt, showing off your biceps, you took me by example. All that noise about you—for this amazing young player from Majorca, a new talent, who would probably win a major league someday—was not just a rumor. We were both at the beginning of our journey and this journey we finally made together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I must say, what an incredible course you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens-history! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud. Vamos, ! As you get ready to grandiate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional. Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You called me in ways no one else could. On Clay, it Felt like I… — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) I keep thinking about the memories we shared. By promoting the sport together. Playing that game on half the grass, half the clay. Breaking the all-time record of spectacularity playing in front of more than 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Always having fun with each other. Tired of each other on the field and then, sometimes, almost literally have to hold each other during the trophy ceremony. I am still grateful that you invited me to Majorca to help launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016. Actually, I kind of invited myself. I knew you were too kind to insist I was there, but I didn’t want to miss it. You’ve always been a role model for children around the world, and Mirka and I are very happy that all our children have been trained at your academies. They enjoyed and learned so much – like thousands of other young players. Although I was always worried my kids would come home playing tennis as left-handed. And then there was London – the Lover Cup in 2022. My last fight. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side – not as my opponent, but as my teammate in the double. Sharing the field with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career. Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last line of your epic career. We’ll talk when it’s over. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and your team for all playing a huge role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend always cheers and will cheer you just as loudly as you do next. Suck this! Always with the best regards, your fan Roger, was the message of Nadal’s great opponent and his very good friend Roger Federer.