Roger Federer pens emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of his retirement

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer wrote an emotional letter for his close friend Rafael Nadal as the Spaniard tennis ace is set to bid adieu to the sport.

Nadal, known for his dominance on the clay courts of Roland Garros, is set to retire after the Davis Cup drawing curtains to his remarkable career, which saw him win 22 Grand Slam titles. The Spaniard will be the second of the 'Big three' of tennis to hang up his racket next to fellow legend Federer, who retired in 2022.

Federer and Nadal forged the most celebrated rivalry in sports history, amassing a staggering 42 Grand Slam titles between them. While Federer has a record eight Wimbledon titles on grass, Nadal has an incredible 14 French Open titles on clay, which has also earned him the nickname 'King of Clay', a record that may never be broken.