When any famous athlete retires, it catches eyeballs. Take the example of Roger Federer. The Swiss maestro retired at the 2022 Laver Cup, which was witnessed by millions of fans worldwide. This year, the case of Rafael Nadal is going to be no different as the Spaniard will play his final tournament at the Davis Cup Finals. Being on his home turf will be a cherry on the cake for Nadal. However, before the Davis Cup, when questions were raised about the timing of the Spaniard’s retirement, it was silenced by his uncle, Toni Nadal.

Earlier this week, Toni Nadal appeared in an interview with Flashcore where he talked at length about Nadal’s career. During that conversation, he was asked if the timing of Nadal’s retirement was wrong because he was clearly past his prime. Using the example of Toni Kroos retiring in his prime, the interviewer felt that Nadal should’ve retired long back as well.

However, Toni Nadal gave a fitting response, saying, “People always tend to blame others for what they themselves don’t do. Rafael had a hard time retiring because, for anyone, stopping an activity that you love and have been doing for many years is difficult. Then, my nephew experienced another reality: for years he lived with problems, with injuries that he managed to overcome. This time, he didn’t manage it. When he realized that it was impossible to get over it, he retired. But before that, he would have liked to continue, of course.”

Nonetheless, it looks like Nadal’s retirement has come just at the right time as he will get to bid farewell in front of his home fans. Additionally, the Davis Cup Finals tournament director, Feliciano Lopez, has revealed that a special farewell ceremony is planned for Nadal, which will celebrate his illustrious career and his legacy.

Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in from all corners, after Nadal’s decision to bid adieu to the sport in playing capacity. Roger Federer paid tribute to his rival-turned-friend on social media right after the announcement, but he also talked about it in an interview recently.

Roger Federer on Rafael Nadal: ‘Felt a little bit sorry for him’

Nadal took to his social media handles to announce the decision of his retirement. The upcoming Davis Cup Finals will be his final assignment as he has been called up to the squad by Spain’s captain David Ferrer. As soon as Nadal revealed his plans for retirement, fans and fellow players paid tribute to him for a wonderful career.

During an interview with TODAY, Roger Federer stated, “I actually just spoke to him this last week. He wanted to ask me something, and we had a chat, and, um, I felt a little bit sorry for him. That his summer didn’t go as well as planned because, at the French Open he had a tough draw. Olympics, he had a tough draw as well. He was hoping, I think, to make a medal. Of course, it was Alcaraz in the doubles. I think also to make a medal. But you know, overall he can do whatever he wants….he’s been one of the most iconic tennis players we have ever had in our sport.”

When Federer retired at the Laver Cup in 2022, Nadal was right beside him. With Nadal’s time to retire now, it won’t be surprising if Federer also flies down to Spain to attend Nadal’s special farewell ceremony. While there is no confirmation of it yet, if that happens, it’ll be a dream reunion, something which the fans can’t miss for sure.