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Legendary Tennis player Rafael Nadal, who announced his retirement from professional tennis on Thursday, October 10, received a touching greeting from another icon of the game Roger Federer. The 38-year-old declared that the next Davis Cup Finals in Malaga in November will be his final match on the tennis court. Nadal has been dealing with injury difficulties for the past 24 months which eventually forced him to take this decision.
Federer reacts to Nadal's reaction
Nadal and Federer had a unique competition, and Federer complimented him for his amazing achievements since becoming professional in 2001. For those who are unaware, Federer and Nadal competed in a doubles match at the Laver Cup 2022, which marked their final professional encounter.
"What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honour," Federer wrote.
Nadal's emotional announcement
Nadal announced the emotional decision to retire from the sport of Tennis by posting a video on his official social media account. In the video, Nadal opened up the doors of nostalgia and talked about his decision to finally hang his shoes.
"It has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don’t think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end," Nadal said.
Nadal became one of the most iconic players during his career, particularly on clay. He went on to win the most men's singles titles at the French Open in the Open Era, with 14. Once, before Djokovic defeated him, he broke Federer's record of the most Grand Slam victories (22). Between them, Nadal and Federer have contested 40 matches since their 2004 Miami Open meeting. In 2019, after fifteen years, Nadal triumphed against the Swiss icon, winning 24–16. The pair last faced off in the Wimbledon 2024 semifinals, with Federer emerging victorious 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.
