Roger Federer writes a letter to Rafael Nadal | ATP Tour

Nadal's retirement

Federer writes letter to Nadal: Toy soldiers, game changers and shared tears

The Spanish legend's final professional event is this week's Davis Cup Final 8

November 19, 2024

Millions of tennis fans will this week say goodbye to Rafael Nadal as a professional tennis player. One of them is Roger Federer.

The Swiss superstar on Tuesday published an emotional statement ahead of the final event in Nadal's history, the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga. Federer, whose Lexus ATP Head2Head rivalry with Nadal has lit up tennis's biggest stages for almost two decades, took to social media to congratulate the Spaniard on the court's success and his work as one of the sport's biggest ambassadors off the court.

Nadal, who was once the No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings Federer wrote:

Come on, @RafaelNadal!

As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I have a few things to share before I get too emotional.

Let's start with the obvious: you beat me—by a lot. Moreover, I was able to defeat you. He challenged me in ways no one else could. In the mud, it felt like I was walking into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could handle myself. You made me rethink my game—I even changed the size of my racquet head, hoping for some edge.

I'm not a superstitious person, but you took it to another level. Your whole process. All those habits. Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, fixing your underwear… All with high intensity. Secretly, I loved everything. Because it was so different – it was like that for you.

And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game more.

There are other people you are destined to meet ♥️

Thank you Rafa and Roger, for the rivalry, friendship, and endless memories 💫 pic.twitter.com/M34RdwzFkd

– ATP Tour (@atptour) November 19, 2024

Okay, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I was ranked #1 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 those biceps, and you beat me to the punch. All that has been heard about you—about this amazing young player from Mallorca, the talent of a generation, maybe he'll win big one day—it's not just playing.

We were both at the beginning of our journey and it was the last one we took together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an amazing journey you have had. Including a historic 14 French Opens! You made Spain proud… you made the whole world proud.

I always think about the memories we shared. Promoting sports together. Playing that game on half-grass, half-clay. Breaking the attendance record by playing in front of over 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. They always break each other up. Dressing on the field and, at times, almost literally matching each other during the award ceremonies.

Thank you for inviting me to Mallorca to help launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016. Actually, I invited myself. I knew it was very honorable of you to insist that I be there, but I didn't want to miss it. You have always been a good role model for children around the world, and Mirka and I are very happy that our children have been trained in your schools. They had fun and learned a lot—just like thousands of other young players. Although I was always worried that my children would come home playing tennis like lefties.

Then there's London—the Laver Cup in 2022. My last game. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as two of my partners. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will be one of the most important moments of my career.

Rafa, I know you are focused on the last part of your historic career. We'll talk when it's done. In the meantime, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who have all played a major role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and he will be very happy with everything you do next.

That's cool!

All the best, your followers,

Roger