Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal shared a rivalry like no one before. Their rivalry has been one of the most celebrated affair in sports history with Federer having faced the Spaniard a total of 40 times on ATP tour. But off the court, they share a great rapport and are in fact friends. Hence, when Federer decided to retire from the sport, he wanted his “greatest rival and friend” by his side in a doubles match at Laver Cup. It was only natural how Nadal reacted at the end of the long and entertaining tie in London on Friday which marked the end of the glorious career of Federer.
It was expected to be a perfect swansong for Federer and much of it seemed likely on tract after they comfortably grabbed the opening set. But the Team World pair of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock crashed the party as they held nerves in clutch moments to win the match 4-6, 7-6(2), 11-9.
Moments after the match, Federer hugged Nadal and his teammates before breaking into tears. It was then that the camera spotted Nadal in tears as well. (HT)
Your greatest rival is crying with you! Speaks up the magnitude of his legendary career! 🥲#LaverCup2022 #Fedal #Federer #Nadal pic.twitter.com/Op0QGNR9hT
— Mahfuz Salekin (@MahfuzSalekin) September 23, 2022