MALAGA – Roger Federer known as Rafael Nadal made him appreciate tennis “even more” during a rivalry that lasted 40 matches over 15 years.

Writing on social media on Tuesday, hours before the start of the Davis Cup Final 8, Nadal’s last event before retiring, Federer began his message with the word “Vamos” and said, “As you prepare to graduate from tennis, I have a few things to share before you get emotional. »

“Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me – a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me like no one else could,” Federer said. “On clay, I felt like I was walking into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could, just to hold on. You made me reinvent my game, even changing the size of the head of my racket, hoping to gain an advantage.

Federer, now 43, was established at No. 1 in the rankings when Nadal, now 38, arrived. Federer began his career with a 7–0 record in Grand Slam finals before his first defeat at this stage came against Nadal in the 2006 French Open final, the first of their three consecutive title matches in Paris – each with the same result.

Nadal also beat Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final, ending the Swiss star’s bid to win a sixth consecutive title at the All England Club.

Overall, Nadal led their head-to-head series 26-14, including 10-4 at Grand Slams and 6-3 in Slam finals.

Still, Federer told Nadal in his message, referring to him by the nickname Rafa: “You made me enjoy the game even more.”

They helped form the big three of men’s tennis with Novak Djokovic, who is still active at 37 and has won a men’s record 24 major trophies. Nadal is next on the list with 22followed by Federer with 20.

“What an incredible race you had,” Federer posted. “Including 14 Roland Garros – historic! You have made Spain proud… you have made the entire tennis world proud.

When Federer left the sport in play a doubles match at the Laver Cup in September 2022, his partner was Nadal. The two then sat side by side, crying.

“It meant everything to me that you were there by my side, not as a rival but as a doubles partner,” Federer wrote on Tuesday. “Sharing the field with you that night and sharing those tears will forever be one of the most memorable moments.” privileged moments of my career.

Nadal’s Spanish team was scheduled to face the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday. Neither Nadal nor Spain captain David Ferrer would say Monday whether Nadal would play singles or doubles, both — or neither.

“Rafa, I know you are focused on the final part of your epic career. We’ll talk about it when it’s done,” Federer wrote. “I want you to know that your old friend is still cheering for you and will be cheering just as hard for whatever you do next.”

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AP Tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis