Roger Federer has penned an emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal, joking that he ‘secretly loved’ his long-time rival’s rituals including ‘assembling water bottles like soldiers’ and adjusting his underwear.
Nadal will retire with 22 Grand Slam titles, six coming courtesy of wins over Federer in finals, with the pair’s rivalry defining a generation.
Nadal won 24 of the 40 matches between two but their rivalry turned to friendship over the course of their careers. Nadal was in tears during Federer’s retirement ceremony back in 2022 and as the Spaniard prepares for what could be the final match of his career this week at the Davis Cup, Federer said: “I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.
“Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me – a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground. You made me reimagine my game – even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge.”
Federer referenced Nadal’s meticulous preparation in serving for every point, including the short tugs, shoulder taps and water bottles that could often irritate his opponents.
Federer said: “I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All those rituals. Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear … All of it with the highest intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique – it was so you.
“And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.”
Federer also hailed Nadal’s record 14 French Open titles and reflected on his realisation that he faced a fight for supremacy early in his career when the Spaniard walked onto court in Miami back in 2004 “showing off those biceps” and winning convincingly.
Federer added: “After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was – until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. All that buzz I’d been hearing about you – about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday – it wasn’t just hype.
“We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens – historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.”
Spain take on Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday, with captain David Ferrer yet to decide on what role Nadal will play.
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