Roger Federer has paid tribute to his longtime rival Rafael Nadal on Tuesday as he prepares for his final tournament in professional tennis at the Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain.
Federer and Nadal first competed against each other in the third round of the Miami Open in 2004 and went on to form two of men’s tennis’ big three along with Novak Djokovic, earning 42 major titles between them.
Federer hailed Nadal’s remarkable career, calling it incredible, and emphasized that his achievements have brought pride not only to Spain but to the entire tennis world.
Nadal played a pivotal role in Federer’s retirement in 2022, as the two competed side by side at the Laver Cup in London during Federer’s final match.
Nadal is now set to begin his farewell, with Spain facing the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday.
REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.