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

Roger Federer said it was “an absolute honour” to share “unforgettable memories” with Rafael Nadal after the Spanish great announced his retirement from tennis on Thursday.

Nadal, 38, said lengthy video posted on his social media platforms that he would retire after this year’s Davis Cup finals in November, having last played at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

ROGER FEDERER REACTS TO RAFAEL NADAL’S BIG NEWS

His long-time rival and close ally and friend, Roger Federer, was one of the first people to react to the news with an emotionally-charged comment under Nadal’s retirement video on Instagram.

“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come,” Federer wrote.

“Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honor!”

THE KING OF CLAY’S HONOURS ROLL

Nadal’s 22 Grand Slams are the second-most in history of men’s tennis behind only Novak Djokovic.

Additionally, the Spaniard has also clinched 36 Masters 1000 titles over the course of his glittering 20-year career.

Nadal has also won singles and doubles gold for Spain at the Olympics and led his country to five Davis Cup titles.

Known as “King of Clay” for complete dominance on the red surface, Nadal won 14 of his grand slams at the French Open and lost just four of his 116 matches in Paris.

He also won the US Open four times and the Australian Open and Wimbledon twice, while his victory over Roger Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final is widely considered the greatest tennis match of all time.

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