Tennis superstars Raphael Nadal and Roger Federer shared an epic rivalry as the two phenomenons pushed each other to greater highs over a nearly two decade time span.
However, with Federer announcing his retirement from the game, the two were paired for the Swiss star’s final game at the Laver Cup, which they ended up losing.
However, the focus immediately shifted to Nadal who was visibly upset that his once arch opponent would no longer grace us with his presence on the court.
Nadal in tears for Federer’s goodbye
The Spanish star told COPE’s El Partidazo why he was so emotional following the game.
“I’m a sensitive person, when you see someone you appreciate saying goodbye it’s hard not to get emotional,” Nadal said.
“It got a little out of hand, and the worst thing is that when I went to the dressing room it happened again. It was difficult for it not to happen because of everything that was experienced that night.”
Relationship with Federer
Nadal also discussed his relationship with Federer with the pair locked in a number of duels that will be long remembered by fans of the sport.
“Like everything, the relationship had different stages,” Nadal told COPE’s El Partidazo.
“It’s been a relationship that was good from the beginning but that grown stronger over the years. It’s normal to respect and appreciate your rival, as long as they are a good person.
“Over the years, you realise that something special was shared between us, that’s how we experienced it but also how the world of tennis saw it too
“Thanks to that, people who weren’t interested in tennis took some interest in our sport.
“Our way of seeing the rivalry and the world has meant that the personal relationship we’ve shared has probably been even more important than the professional relationship we’ve had.”
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