Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer - the end of an era?
Rafael Nadal andRoger Federer had to end the 2021 season early due to injury problems. The end of an era is heralding.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Aug 21, 2021, 01:45 pm
They are the two greatest ambassadors of their sport. Still. Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer stand for tennis like no other name. Although Novak Djokovic is at least on the same level as the two in terms of sport, the Serbian’s popularity ratings can still not be compared with those of Nadal and Federer.
But it seems that the fans of the two legends have to make friends with the increasingly concrete career end of their heroes. Neither the Spaniard (foot) nor the Swiss (knee) will return to the tour in 2021. While Nadal is apparently willing to fully attack again next year, Federer's recent comeback is not just a question mark.
The end of my career is approaching
The knee problems of the 40-year-old, who would have to come back from an operation because of them, are too protracted. "I hope that I will return to the tour. But I am realistic. I know how difficult it is at this age to undergo another operation," said Federer.
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The end of his career is closer than ever for the maestro. The same applies to his long-term competitor from Spain, who has been grappling with an old injury for a year now. As early as 2005, the Müller-Weiss syndrome - a rare disease affecting the foot - almost forced him to resign.
Nadal and Federer remain combative
Although Nadal and Federer do not want to give up yet, this year it became very clear that even the greatest superstars of the sport cannot stop the ravages of time. The end of an era is heralding, which will probably not happen any longer in this way.
But, as is well known, hope dies last. And at least these are still allowed to keep the followers of Nadal and Federer. Because in the past they proved numerous critics wrong time and time again. Should it come to that in 2022, it would be the greatest achievement in their already impressive careers.