Tennis great Rafael Nadal brought down the curtains on his illustrious career and announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday (October 10). Regarded as the King of Clay, Nadal will play his retirement match for Spain in the David Cup final in November. Since Nadal has confirmed his retirement date and place, Roger Federer could be present there to cheer for his former arch-rival and longtime friend.
In 2022, Nadal teamed up with Federer in his retirement game in the Laver Cup. The legendary duo lost to the team of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe. Following the game, Federer got emotional while speaking to Jim Courier. Nadal too couldn't hold back his tears and was crying while hearing his longtime friend.
If there's one thing you watch today, make it this.#LaverCup | @rogerfedererpic.twitter.com/Ks9JqEeR6B
— Laver Cup (@LaverCup) September 23, 2022
Now that Nadal is retiring from the sport, the fans can expect Federer to cheer him from the stands. Nadal and Federer had a long rivalry and they squared off 40 times. Nadal finished their rivalry with a 24-16 lead. Nadal never lost to Federer in the French Open and registered six wins over him. Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles.
What Rafael Nadal said about his retirement?
"Hello everyone. I'm here to let you know that I am retiring from professional tennis. The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially I don't think I've been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make," Nadal said in his retirement video.
"But in this life, everything has a beginning and end and I think it's the appropriate time to put an end to a career that has been long and much more successful than I could have ever imagined. But, I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and representing my country."