One of the most emotional, moving and sad days of the entire 2022 season. Roger Federer’s tennis retirement at the Laver Cup in London in September brought about truly unique moments in the history of the sport, with so many champions (and rivals on the court) greeting the Swiss tennis player.
A truly speechless farewell ceremony, with tears from the Belgrade himself but also from the other two members of the Big Three (Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic).
Nadal talks about Federer’s retirement
The Spanish number 2 in the ATP ranking recalled what happened a few months ago in London, in an interview with Marca: “Roger’s retirement was a sad and emotional day at the same time.
I think he’s one of the great icons in the history of sport in general, so it’s been a difficult time not only as a rival and teammate, but also as a lover of tennis. The same thing happened with Pau Gasol or Zidane and it will happen with Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
They are people you grow up with all your life, sharing moments and watching them on television, which makes them almost a family. And when they retire, like Roger did, you know you’ll never see them play again” Nadal said.
Regarding my retirement, Rafa added: “I don’t visualize it for one simple fact: I’m not one of those who try to guess, predict or prepare the future, because things change very quickly. I know that moment is closer than a past year, no doubt, and that two years ago.
This is pure logic. But ultimately it’s something that when it has to happen, it will happen. I would like it to be on a tennis court, yes, “he said. Regarding the proposal to play his last match at the Bernabéu against Carlos Alcaraz, he replied:” I’m not capable of talking about it.
Nadal also confessed the joy his fatherhood is generating in him and also detailed how the new treatments for his injured foot have brought him not only physical relief but have also given him enormous mental peace of mind to continue competing at the highest levels.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion will play the United Cup with Spain and then go on to defend his crown at the Australian Open. Photo credit: Getty Images
