The record-breaking match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal that over 50,000 people attended

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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played out countless classic matches over the years, with that rivalry sadly now well and truly over.

Federer retired after the 2022 Laver Cup, having played alongside the Spaniard, with Nadal retiring after the Davis Cup last month.

Tim Henman thinks Nadal made the right decision to retire, with the latter having been troubled by various injury issues in the latter stages of his career.

He bowed out with Spain in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup Finals, with the Netherlands knocking out the home nation.

But Nadal can be hugely proud of his efforts on the court, having dominated tennis for several years alongside Federer and Novak Djokovic.

When Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played in front of over 50,000 fans

Federer named the Wimbledon 2008 final as his biggest heartbreak, having lost to the Spanish star under the cover of darkness.

Almost 12 years later, however, a very light-hearted affair took place between the duo, with Nadal and Federer playing an exhibition match in South Africa.

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And as reported by ABC in February 2020, a sell-out crowd of 51,954 filled Cape Town stadium to watch the clash, the biggest-ever attendance for a tennis match.

The Swiss star triumphed 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, with the friendly encounter featuring appearances from the likes of businessman Bill Gates, comedian Trevor Noah and Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s Rugby World Cup-winning captain.

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There is unsurprisingly huge respect between Nadal and Federer, with the pair having enjoyed stunning careers simultaneously.

Remarkably, both tennis icons would have enjoyed much more success if not for their careers overlapping.

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Bragging rights certainly won’t be something on their minds given that mutual respect, although the Spaniard did edge out the Swiss during the course of their ATP Tour careers.

They met a total of 40 times between 2004 and 2019, with Nadal picking up 24 wins compared to the 16 of Federer.

But their careers have finished with the Swiss legend in front in terms of ATP Tour-level titles, with his 103 edging out Nadal’s 92.