Rafa Nadal, broken by the farewell of his “friend and rival” Federer: “There are still things to do together”

Rafael Nadal y Roger Federer, facing each other on the track, have given authentic sporting spectacles throughout the last decades. For history, the decisive finals and eliminations between the two have passed. Despite the great sporting rivalry they have maintained, the friendship they have consolidated off the field has always prevailed above all else. This Friday, the Swiss tennis player announced his withdrawal, leaving fans of the racket and sports in general dejected.

read also – Federer’s emotional words to his wife, Mirka Vavrinec, after announcing his retirement: “You have lived every minute with me”

Nadal, who is expecting his first child with Xisca Perelló, a boy, has reacted to Federer’s sports retirement with a heartfelt message on his social networks: “Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day had never come. It is A sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.”

Dear Roger,my friend and rival.
I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court ????????

– Rafael Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022

Both shared the first two places in the ATP between July 2005 and August 2011: “It has been a pleasure but also an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you, living so many incredible moments on and off the court.”

Despite Federer’s retirement, the professional link between the two does not end here: “We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still many things to do together, we know that.”

Finally, a very personal message: “For now, I really wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your children, your family and enjoy what lies ahead. I will see you in London.”

Roger Federer, one of the greatest players in the history of tennis, announced on Thursday his retirement from the circuit once he disputes the Laver Cup, which takes place next week in London. The Swiss has been married to the former Slovakian tennis player Mirka Vavrinec since 2009 and with her he has formed a large family of four children. In announcing his withdrawal, he has had a few words loaded with meaning for them.

read also – Nadal, eliminated from the US Open in full admission of Xisca Perelló: “I have more important things than tennis to attend to”

“I want to especially thank my amazing wife Mirka, who has lived every minute with me. She tucked me in before the finals, she has watched countless matches even when she was 8 months pregnant,” Federer said of his wife.

Of his children, he added: “I also want to thank my four wonderful children, who have always supported me, eager to explore new places and create wonderful memories on this journey. Seeing my family supporting me from the stands is a feeling I will cherish.” forever”.