"It has been an honor and a privilege"Nadal says on Federer’s withdrawal

The Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal joined the messages of tribute to his great rival Roger Federer, who this Thursday announced his professional retirement at the age of 41, assuring that it was “an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you”.

“I wish this day never came. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sport around the world.” added the Majorcan tennis player, defining Federer as “my rival and friend” in a message posted on his social networks.

“It was a pleasure, but also an honor and a privilege to share all these years with you, living so many incredible moments on and off the court”, added a Nadal who in his legendary duels with Federer won 24 and lost 16.

“We still have to share many moments together in the future, There are still many things to do together, we know it,” Nadal continued.

“For now, I wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your children, your family and enjoy whatever comes. See you in London, at the Laver Cup.”

Federer had announced this Thursday that he will retire from tennis at the age of 41 after playing the Laver Cup, a competition that will be held in London from September 23 to 25.

“The Laver Cup, next week in London, will be my last ATP event,” The Swiss, winner of 20 Grand Slams, two from Nadal’s record, published on social networks.

Dear Roger, my friend and rival.
I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court ??

– Rafael Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022