PARIS - It was a day the tennis world has been dreading, and on Oct 10, when 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal announced his retirement, it was his great rival Roger Federer who led the tributes to his fellow legend.
"What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come," 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer, who retired two years ago, said in a post on social media.
"Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honour!"
When they first met in March 2004 at Miami, Nadal was just 17 and ranked 34th. Federer was the world No. 1 and had already captured the Australian Open and Indian Wells titles that year.
Their rivalry spanned almost two decades and ended in an emotional London farewell at the Laver Cup in September 2022.
Nadal is ahead 24-16 in their head-to-head count, coming out 6-3 on top in Grand Slam finals including his stunning Wimbledon triumph in 2008, widely regarded as one of the greatest finals at the Majors.
"When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too," admitted a tearful Nadal as he played Laver Cup doubles alongside 41-year-old Federer in the Swiss star's final appearance in September 2022.
The two clasped hands as Federer hobbled into retirement.
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