Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have shared one of the greatest and most intense rivalries not only in tennis, but in all of sport.
They challenged each other in ways few could have ever predicted, and reached impossible heights due to their respective greatness.
Some generations of men’s tennis are lucky to be blessed with just one player who is half as talented as the Swiss superstar. This generation has had three of the same impossible level.
And with the Spaniard set to retire at the conclusion of this campaign, it feels like those emotions evoked in the 2022 Laver Cup, a farewell for Federer, could well come flooding back.
Especially as Rafael Nadal enters his final Roland Garros tournament next week.
With that in mind, here are the five best comments Federer ever made about his long-term rival and lifelong friend.
Roger Federer congratulates Rafael Nadal on 20th Grand Slam (2020)
Going into the 2020 French Open final, we were blessed with a match of epic proportions. Nadal faced Novak Djokovic, with both seeking to make history in their own way.
The former knew that a win would see him equal Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles, whilst extending his own record at this event to 13 wins. Meanwhile, the Serbian sought to become the first man since Rod Laver to win each Grand Slam at least twice.
It would naturally be Nadal who won in straight sets, further reinforcing his dominance at Roland Garros, and prompting Federer to laud his achievement.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘I have always had the utmost respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion.
‘As my greatest rival over many years, I believe we have pushed each other to become better players. Therefore, it is a true honour for me to congratulate him on his 20th Grand Slam victory. It is especially amazing that he has now won Roland Garros an incredible 13 times, which is one of the greatest achievements in sport.
‘I also congratulate his team, because nobody can do this alone. I hope 20 is just another step on the continuing journey for both of us. Well done, Rafa. You deserve it.’
Roger Federer attributes his success to Rafael Nadal (2018)
In a more underplayed quote, Federer actually attributed much of his success to Nadal, and the excellence he maintained which forced him to up his game to the next level.
Few competitors have spurred one another on to achieve such greatness, and the 42-year-old would note whilst speaking to Vogue in 2018: ‘Playing against Rafa for so many years has been amazing – he pushed me to innovate, work harder, and to develop my game.’
Roger Federer wanted to share the Australian Open (2017)
In a classic display of magnanimity and class, Federer spoke with immense grace after defeating Nadal in the 2017 Australian Open final.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in tennis history, the two shared blow after blow, and despite trailing 3-1 in the final set, he would come back to win his 18th Grand Slam title.
In his post-match interview, he wished he could have shared the trophy with his rival: ‘There are no draws in tennis but I would have been happy to share this trophy with Rafa tonight.’
Roger Federer jokes about injuries with Rafael Nadal (2020)
Another comment following that aforementioned 2020 title in Paris, Federer would again take to Instagram to issue a joke the two had shared in the run-up to the event.
He wrote: ‘A few months ago, we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion. Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.
‘I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more – as you have done for me for the past 18 years. I am sure you have more achievements ahead but, for now, enjoy this one.’
Roger Federer looks back on stunning rivalry with Rafael Nadal (2024)
And now, as Federer’s time away from the sport only grows, it feels like so too does their friendship.
It is truly heartwarming to see how one of tennis’ greatest-ever rivalries has developed into this powerful and emotional relationship which transcends the sport.
This was no greater evident than in Louis Vuitton’s recent campaign involving the two, where the Swiss great would laud not just the player but the person that Nadal is.
He stated: ‘Rafa shares similar values and mutual respect, and he is a special friend and rival who has played a key role in my development as a professional athlete, competitor and person.’
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