Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday November 19, 2024
Roger Federer he is among the millions of tennis fans watching closely Rafael NadalLast event this week. The Swiss took to the X in honor of the King of Clay, recalling the 20-year journey they took together and how the invincible Nadal pushed Federer to a level he never thought he could reach.
“You beat me—a lot,” Federer wrote. “More than what I was able to overcome. 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. He made me rethink my game—I even changed the size of my racquet head, hopefully for either side.”
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 feels like…
– Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) November 19, 2024
Federer, who won 16 runs and lost 24 against Nadal during their epic rivalry, told Nadl that he had grown his appreciation for the game.
“Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more,” he wrote. “Okay, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I was ranked No.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 starting our journey and this is the one we ended up taking 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.”
Finally, Federer wished Nadal well at the end of his career, and what lies ahead.
“Rafa, I know you are focused on the last part of your historic career,” he said. “We will talk when it is 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 happy, and he will be very happy with everything you do next.”
