The most eloquent image in Roger Federer’s tennis farewell: Rafael Nadal’s disconsolate crying

Roger Federer’s farewell as a professional tennis player excited everyone in the stadium O2 From london. The Swiss, winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, and considered one of the best of all time in the discipline, decided to share his last time on court with Rafael Nadalthe same one he faced on dozens of occasions and against whom he fought to be number 1 in the world.

Beyond the defeat on the first day of the Making Cup before the team partner Rest of the world that made up Sock-Tiafoe (4-6, 7-6 and 11-9), nothing tarnished the celebration that meant for all those present to see for the last time the Swiss racket that holds the record for the most weeks as the best in the circuit (237).

Federer’s emotion could be seen at the precise moment the match ended. But the protagonist could not contain the tears it was Nadal himself. The Mallorcan, sitting next to his Majesty in the chair, was captured by the official broadcast together with his friend. And in the same scene, you can see both of them in tears.

The situation continued when Roger got up and went to offer his last words as a professional tennis player. “The match was great. I can not be happier. And play with Rafa in the same team”, said the Swiss.

* Nadal’s emotion during Federer’s final farewell in London

It must be remembered that, when RF announced his retirement through a video on social networks, the Spaniard took advantage of his Instagram account and wrote an exciting letter in tribute to your friend and rival of so many sports battles in more than a decade.

“Dear Roger, friend and rival, I wish this day had never come. It is a sad day for me and for the whole sport. It has been a pleasure, but also an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you, living incredible moments on and off the pitch. We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there is still much to do, we both know it. For now, I wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your children and your family. Enjoy what awaits you, see you in London”, wrote Rafa.

The first crossing of his incredible record was in Miami in 2005. Nadal was just 17 years old and beat the Swiss in straight sets: 6-3, 6-3. On the other hand, the last match played between the two was in one of the 2019 Wimbledon semifinals, in which Federer won 7-6 (3), 1-6, 6-3 and 6-4. In total, there were 14 years of confrontations that left indelible memories in the minds of the spectators and with a total of 42 Grand Slams if the achievements of both are added.

Statistics claim that Nadal won in six of the nine Grand Slam finals they played. His superiority in figures is mainly explained by his mastery of clay: 14 wins against 2, four of them in the Roland Garros final.

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