This week, Rafael Nadal will bow out at the end of the Davis Cup, which begins in Spain this Tuesday, November 19, 2024. For the occasion, his best opponent, Roger Federer, paid him a very moving tribute on social networks .
A true tennis legend is preparing to play his final tournament. This Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Davis Cup begins, at the end of which Rafael Nadal had promised to retire on October 10. For the last competition of his best enemy, Roger Federer decided to post a message in honor of the Mallorcan on social networks.
“As you prepare to leave tennis, I have a few things to say to you before I get carried away by emotion. Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me – a lot. More than I know managed to beat you”admitted the Swiss, quite proud to have faced the sporting legend on several occasions. “On clay, I felt like I was walking into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I would, just to hold on. You made me reimagine my game, even changing the size of my racquet head, in hopes of finding an advantage“continued the tennis player.
“You made the tennis world proud”: Roger Federer salutes the talent of Rafael Nadal
As Roger Federer pointed out, Rafael Nadal has defeated him multiple times. Out of 40 confrontations in official competition between March 2004 and July 2019, the Spaniard took the advantage over the Swiss 24 times, compared to 16. For 24 of these confrontations, the two champions met during tournament finals or even in Masters at Grand Slams for almost two decades.
“You took things to the limit. Your whole process. All those rituals. Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in training, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear… All with the greatest intensity”quit the Swiss, before admitting: “Secretly, I loved it all. Because it was so unique, it was so you. And you know what, Rafa, you made me appreciate the game even more”greeted the player very close to Kate Middleton.
In his long message, Roger Federer remembered the 2004 Australian Open, when the Mallorcan reached the rank of world No. 1 for the first time. “I thought I was on top of the world. And I was, until, two months later, you walked onto the court in Miami in your sleeveless red t-shirt, showing off your biceps, and you beat me to the punch”recalled the tennis player with difficulty, admiring the exploits of his greatest opponent. “You made Spain proud… You made the tennis world proud”greeted the Swiss. A prodigy hangs up his racket.
Shows his meticulous nature and how seriously he takes every match. These rituals create a sense of rhythm for him and help him maintain focus. His on-court presence is equally remarkable; the energy he brings is contagious, and it elevates the atmosphere of any match. Watching him compete is inspiring, and it reminds me of the importance of preparation and mental discipline in our sport.
Welcome to World Today News! Today, we have a special interview with two renowned tennis players, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, about their thoughts on Rafael Nadal’s retirement from the Davis Cup.
Roger, you posted a heartfelt tribute to Rafael on social media honoring his incredible career and the impact he has had on your own game. Can you tell us more about what inspires your admiration for Rafael as a player and competitor?
Roger Federer: Rafael Nadal is truly a unique athlete and personality in the world of tennis. His passion, determination, and relentless work ethic are unparalleled. The way he approaches each match with absolute focus and intensity is something I’ve always admired. I’ve played against him numerous times, and every time I’ve walked onto the court, I knew it would be an epic battle. He’s pushed me to be a better player and made me appreciate the sport even more than before. I also enjoy his sense of humor, camaraderie, and love for the game.
Novak, as one of the current tennis greats, how do you view Rafael’s retirement? What legacy does he leave behind in the world of tennis?
Novak Djokovic: Rafael Nadal’s retirement marks the end of an era in tennis. He’s been an incredible player, not just in terms of his skill but also his dedication to the sport. He’s inspired countless young players around the world to pick up a racket and pursue their dreams. His ability to dominate on clay and his relentlessness in every match make him a legend in the sport. His legacy goes beyond just his accolades; it’s about the way he’s enriched the game of tennis.
Roger, you mentioned in your tribute that Rafael’s rituals and intensity added to the uniqueness of his game. Can you elaborate on that? How much have his pre-match routines and on-court presence been a part of what makes him so special?
Roger Federer: As I said in the tribute, Rafael’s rituals, from assembling his water bottles to adjusting his hair and underwear, are all part of his unique approach to the game. It
