‘A unfortunate day’ – Rafael Nadal hails fellow legend Roger Federer and wishes ‘this day would by no means have come’

Federer, 41, announced in a social media put up that just after this year’s Laver Cup – which runs from September 23 to 25 – he will step away from tennis for superior right after a collection of injuries and operations.

Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles to Federer’s 20, is held up as 1 of the men’s tennis’ “Massive Three” together with Federer and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.

Writing on Twitter, Nadal claimed he had hoped that “this day would under no circumstances have arrive,” but did insert there ended up even now tons of items for the pair to do together, the two within and outside the house the activity.

“Dear Roger, my mate and rival. I desire this day would have in no way occur. It’s a unfortunate working day for me personally and for athletics all-around the world. It is been a enjoyment but also an honour and privilege to share all these a long time with you, residing so a lot of incredible moments on and off the courtroom.

“We will have lots of extra times to share collectively in the potential, there are still loads of items to do jointly, we know that. For now, I truly would like you all the contentment with your spouse, Mirka, your young ones, your loved ones and appreciate what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London”

Federer and Nadal loved one particular of the finest sporting rivalries in history. The pair performed every single other 40 periods, with Nadal main the head-to-head 24-16 overall, together with 14-10 in finals. 9 of the finals were being in Grand Slams which is an all-time report.

The 2008 Wimbledon final amongst Federer and Nadal – which the Spaniard received 6-4 6-4 6-7(5-7) 6-7 (8-10) 9-7 in four hrs and 48 minutes – is broadly deemed by authorities and admirers as the biggest specialist tennis match in background. From 2006 to 2008, they contested each individual French Open and Wimbledon final.

Their final conference was in the 2019 Wimbledon semi-ultimate, which Federer won 7-6 (7-3) 1-6 6-3 6-4.

– – –