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Nadal cries with Federer - end of a "perfect" journey

At the Laver Cup in London, Roger Federer said goodbye to professional tennis alongside Rafael Nadal on an emotional evening with a defeat.

by SID
last edit: Sep 25, 2022, 04:25 pm

Shared sorrow is shared knowledge ... Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on Friday night in London
© Getty Images
Shared sorrow is shared knowledge ... Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on Friday night in London

At the end of their journey together, they held hands and cried uncontrollably: Roger Federer (41) and Rafael Nadal (36), two of the greatest tennis players in history, overwhelmed by emotions. They had stood together on the court for the last time, this time side by side instead of fighting each other as so often - but now it's time to say goodbye. And that hurts Nadal in particular.

"When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life also goes," said the Grand Slam record champion from Spain. The rivalry between the exceptional players has long since turned into friendship, which should last well beyond the end of Federer's career. "We have a million topics to discuss. I always have the feeling that we never have enough time every evening together," said Federer.

Zverev also celebrates Federer

On this long evening in London's o2 arena there was at least enough time for the really big feelings. 20,000 spectators, including the injured Olympic champion Alexander Zverev, celebrated Federer at his farewell gala. The fact that his professional career ended with a narrow double defeat (6: 4, 6: 7 (2), 9:11) against the US duo Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe was nothing more than a side note.

While still on the pitch, Federer hugged his four children. Daughters Myla and Charlene and sons Leo and Lenny. His mother Lynette had come, his father Robert. Wife Mirka stayed in the background - just as she had always done in Federer's successful career. She quietly enjoyed the moment, the big show that didn't end until well after midnight.

Nadal part of career

Federer had prepared the stage himself - and it could hardly have been bigger. The Swiss and his agency once invented the Laver Cup, the team comparison between Team Europe and a world selection. And this year they had all come to London: Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Zverev and Rod Laver. Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.

Standing out among them was Federer, the man they call Maestro. "It was a perfect trip. I would do it all over again," he said in a halting voice. "I'm happy, not sad." Nadal paid him the highest form of recognition. "For me he was always the guy to beat. I'm very proud to have been a part of his career."

"Life goes on"

It now ends after 20 Grand Slam titles, 103 tournament wins and 310 weeks at the top of the world rankings. Federer has set standards - on and off the pitch. He now takes his deserved place among the legends, and those often remain in tennis. Laver, Borg, McEnroe, Boris Becker was also part of it for a long time - they are all ambassadors and part of the tour.

"This is not the end here, life goes on," said Federer on Saturday night. He wanted to let his fans know: "Hopefully we'll see each other again on another tennis court somewhere in the world." Rafael Nadal will probably accompany him every now and then. In a double pack, they guarantee spectacular show matches and great emotions.

by SID

Sunday
Sep 25, 2022, 04:25 pm
last edit: Sep 25, 2022, 04:25 pm