'Always Hoped This Day Would Never Come': Roger Federer Pays Rich Tribute to Retiring Rafael Nadal

Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer on Thursday paid tribute to 22-time Grand Slam champion and great rival Rafael Nadal who announced his retirement from the sport. "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come," 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer, who retired two years ago, said in a post on social media. "Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honor!"

When they met for the first time in March 2004 at Miami, Nadal was just 17 and ranked at 34.

Federer was the world number one and had already captured the Australian Open and Indian Wells titles that year.

Their rivalry spanned almost two decades and ended in an emotional London farewell at the Laver Cup in September 2022.