By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday November 19, 2024
Roger Federer is among the millions of tennis fans keeping a close eye on Rafael Nadal’s final professional event this week. The Swiss took to X to pay tribute to the King of Clay, recalling the 20-year journey they took together and how indomitable Nadal pushed Federer to a level he never thought he could achieve.
“You beat me—a lot,” Federer wrote. “More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground. You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge.”
Federer, who won 16 and lost 24 against Nadal over the course of their illustrious rivalry, told Nadl that he enhanced his appreciation for the sport.
“Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more,” he wrote. “OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the No.1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was—until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. All that buzz I’d been hearing about you—about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday—it wasn’t just hype.
“We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens—historic! You made Spain proud... you made the whole tennis world proud.”
Finally, Federer wished Nadal the best for the end of his career, and what lies ahead.
“Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career,” he said. “We will talk when it’s done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.”