‘Wish this day would never come’: Nadal on Federer’s retirement

Following Roger Federer’s announcement that the Laver Cup next week will be his final ATP event, his friend and rival Rafael Nadal said it’s a sad day for him personally and for sports around the world, adding that he wishes it hadn’t happened.

Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam singles champion, announced his retirement from top-level tennis on Thursday, taking the tennis and sports world by surprise.

“As many of you know, the past three years have presented me with challenges in the form of injuries and surgeries. I’ve worked hard to return to full competitive form, but I also know my body’s capabilities and limits and its message to me lately has been clear. I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1,500 matches over 24 years,” the tennis great said in a statement on Twitter.

“Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt and now I must recognise when it’s time to end my competitive career. The Laver Cup next week in London will be my final ATP event. I will play more tennis in the future, of course, but just not in Grand Slams or on the Tour,” he added.

Federer’s main on-court rival, Rafael Nadal, acknowledged their rivalry, as well as their off-court friendship, in a retirement message posted on social media.

“Dear Roger, my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court,” said Nadal in a tweet.

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“We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that. For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London,” he added.

During the Swiss’ career, the two tennis titans shared the No. 1 and No. 2 ATP world rankings for six years, frequently meeting in Grand Slam finals, some of which have been termed “ “the greatest matches in history.”