Rafael Nadal says an important part of him was also leaving
the men’s Tour with the retirement of the Swiss tennis star Roger Federer.
Sitting courtside Nadal cried as his great rival, Federer,
bid an emotional farewell to tennis at the Laver Cup on Friday.
Nadal, who has won a men’s record 22 Grand Slam singles
titles, said it was a difficult night for him emotionally.
This was after the defeat to the American pair of Jack Sock
and Frances Tiafoe marked the end of the 41-year-old Federer’s dazzling career.
“For me, has been huge honour to be a part of this amazing
moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing
a lot of things together,” the Spaniard said of Federer.
“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my
life is leaving too because all the moments he has been next or in front me in
important moments of my life.
“So has been emotional (to) see the family, see all the
people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment.”
Federer, who won 20 major singles titles, played Nadal 40
times in one of the most compelling rivalries across any sport.
Despite the ferocity on court, they have remained friends
off court. It was perhaps most apt that the Swiss chose to have his final dance
with Nadal on his side of the net.
Loud cheers accompanied Federer and Nadal, or “Fedal” as
they are jointly nicknamed, on to court. After entertaining the sellout crowd
during the match, both were overcome by emotions.
“I think every year the personal relationship gets better
and better, on a daily basis,” Nadal, 36, told reporters.
“I think in some way we understand at the end we have a lot
of things similar. We approach the life probably similar.
“On court we have completely opposite styles, and that’s
what probably makes our matches and our rivalry probably one of the biggest and
most interesting.
“Very proud to be part of his career in some way. But even
happier to finish our career like friends after everything we shared on court
like rivals.” (Reuters/NAN).
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