Toni Colom reveals the crucial message that Roger Federer sent to Rafa Nadal.

One of Rafael Nadal’s first coaches, Toni Colom, recently shared a moment on his blog that he believes contributed to the rapid bond that formed between the Spaniard and Roger Federer.

“On his way back to the hotel after winning a title in Beijing in September 2005, he received a text message from Roger congratulating him on the tournament he won a few minutes earlier.

I still remember the joy he expressed at that moment. This shows the good foundations that have been created. This exemplary relationship that has further enriched the greatness of sport and especially tennis is undoubtedly one of the greatest sports shows of all time, “wrote Toni Colom on his blog.

Nadal remained close to Federer until the end.

As evidence of the strong bond between the two icons, Rafael Nadal was there to accompany Roger during the last game of his professional career, despite the Spaniard being injured and his wife was about to give birth.

Rafael even burst into tears during the Laver Cup celebrations. Former American tennis player Jan-Michael Gambill says Rafael Nadal was upset after Roger Federer’s retirement as he began to think about the day he should end his career.

“Rafa was very emotional. Part of that emotion is due to the friendship they developed by competing together and the other part is maybe just seeing that the end is in sight for all of them,” Gambill said on the Inside-in podcast. by Tennis Channel.

“Hopefully not for now, but the big four who were there know their own mortality when they see a guy like Roger, who has been associated with the game for so long.

If he retires, unfortunately it will no longer be possible for everyone to play at this level and at this age. ”Even though Nadal is 36 years old and gets injured frequently, he still loves tennis and wants to continue playing tennis.

“I’d like to say hello to you on the pitch, that’s for sure. But you never know what the future holds. And then, of course, I’ve also had a very long career, which I feel the love and support of many people around the world. but we’ll see how it goes, “said Nadal.