As Rafael Nadal approaches the end of his legendary tennis career, with his last tournament at the Davis Cup in Málaga just around the corner, emotions are running high. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will soon bid farewell to the sport that made him a global icon. In these bittersweet moments, one person who has always shared a unique connection with Nadal is his eternal rival and close friend, Roger Federer.

Federer took to social media to write a deeply emotional letter to Nadal, reflecting on their shared history both as fierce competitors and as teammates. “Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me... a lot. More than I managed to beat you,” Federer began. His words highlighted the rivalry that, for years, defined the tennis world, especially on the clay courts, where Nadal’s dominance was legendary. Federer spoke about how Nadal challenged him in ways no one else could, even changing the size of his racket head in a bid to gain an advantage.

A Rivalry That Transformed Tennis

Federer’s letter was more than just a farewell. It was an acknowledgment of the impact Nadal had on his own career and on the game itself. "In secret, I loved it all. Because it was so unique, it was so you," Federer wrote, reflecting on the rituals Nadal became known for — from meticulously arranging his water bottles to adjusting his attire with intense focus. Federer admitted that, even in those moments of fierce competition, he came to admire his rival’s consistency and passion.

The Swiss legend continued, recalling their early days as rising stars in the tennis world. "After the 2004 Australian Open, I reached No. 1 for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. But then, two months later, you came onto the court in Miami wearing your red sleeveless shirt, showing those biceps, and convincingly beat me. All the rumors I had heard about this incredible young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, were not exaggerations," Federer said, highlighting the respect he gained for Nadal early in their careers.

Celebrating an Unforgettable Legacy

As Federer acknowledged, Nadal’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, especially his dominance at Roland Garros, where he won a record 14 French Open titles. Federer also fondly recalled the many memories they created together both on and off the court. "I still think about the memories we’ve shared. Promoting the sport together, playing that match on half grass, half clay, breaking the attendance record with over 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Always laughing together, battling it out on court and then, sometimes, quite literally holding each other up during trophy ceremonies," he wrote.

Federer’s gratitude extended beyond the court. He reminisced about visiting Nadal’s Academy in Mallorca in 2016 and watching their children benefit from Nadal’s legacy. "You’ve always been a role model for kids all over the world, and Mirka and I are happy that all of our kids have trained at your academy. They had a great time and learned a lot, like thousands of other young players," he shared.

A Final Goodbye

Federer’s letter culminated in a heartfelt message of support for his friend’s final stretch in tennis. "Rafa, I know you are focused on the final chapter of your epic career. We’ll talk when it’s all over. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and your team, who have played such a big role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend will always be cheering for you and will continue to do so with the same strength for everything you do next," Federer concluded.

In an era defined by their rivalry, Federer’s emotional tribute to Nadal serves as a reminder of the deep respect between the two tennis legends. Their shared moments on and off the court, from fierce competition to heartfelt camaraderie, have defined a generation of tennis. As Nadal prepares for his last tournament, Federer’s message is a fitting tribute to a career that has captured the hearts of fans around the world.

"All the best, always, your fan!"