Roger Federer’s much-anticipated documentary was released just last week, and in doing so a movie first intended only for himself, his friends and his family was unveiled to the public.
It provided fans with a never-before-seen look at what went on behind the scenes regarding the 42-year-old’s retirement announcement and the subsequent 12 days leading up to that final Laver Cup appearance in 2022.
Naturally, the narrative both at the time and throughout the documentary centred around his relationship with Rafael Nadal, and within the Amazon Prime production their mutual respect is clearer than ever.
They share jokes and stories, and it is impossible not to smile when the two are on screen together.
However, there was one moment that really caught the eye, and delivered one piece of information that we were otherwise unaware of in the midst of such emotional and fast-paced scenes.
What Roger Federer said to Rafael Nadal after final Laver Cup match together
Given the whirlwind of a day that he and all the fans watching had enjoyed, all would be forgiven for missing this tiny detail that occurred right after Federer and Nadal’s doubles match against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.
Within the documentary, excitement builds as Team Europe triumphantly take the first set. It seems set to be the perfect ending to a stunning career.
However, for those who watched the match in real time back in 2022, they knew what was to come.
Eventually losing in a third-set tiebreak, there was no look of frustration or regret from Federer.
Instead, he turned to Nadal, and the two shared an emotional embrace.
However, from the angle afforded to us by the documentary, it is made clear as day what the Swiss superstar whispers into the ear of the Spaniard, despite there being no sound: ‘Thank you for everything’.
Given the message Nadal sent to Federer ahead of his documentary’s release, it is clear that their relationship has not waned since then.
Federer: Twelve Final Days is an emotional watch
Well, it’s no surprise that with words like this, Nadal was a true emotional wreck afterwards.
The footage suggests that there was not a dry eye in the house, with even Novak Djokovic reduced to tears after Federer provided him with what he described as some ‘personal’ words.
However, it is Nadal’s reaction that is of most interest, and the footage immediately after their match in the locker room makes for the most emotional viewing.
He sits alone with his head in his towel, sobbing seemingly uncontrollably.
Federer joins him, sitting just along the bench, and too cuts an emotional figure despite trying to crack out a joke.
Whilst it is a documentary about triumph, and celebrating the truly iconic figure that took the sport by storm, ‘Federer: Twelve Final Days’ is a piece of media best watched with a box of tissues nearby, such is the sadness such scenes evoke.
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