The end of an era. While Roger Federer retired in 2022, Rafael Nadal prepares to bid farewell. Their 40 clashes have etched their names in tennis history. Let’s revisit those unforgettable matches and celebrate their extraordinary careers.

They played their first match in March 2004 at the R3 of the Miami Masters. Rafael Nadal was then only 17 years old, and he surprised everyone that time by beating the then-world number one in straight sets. Do they remember the moments from their first meetings? Well, during a previous interview, Rafael Nadal said, “I do remember, probably not him.” Then Federer hilariously replied to him saying, “I don’t. Was I nice to you?” The two rivals burst into laughter when Nadal said, “You were a little bit arrogant.”

Beyond the epic battles, Federer and Nadal forged an enduring friendship. Their heartfelt words reveal the true nature of their relationship. “I’m his No. 1 fan; I think his game is simply tremendous. He’s an incredible competitor and I’m happy we’ve had some epic battles in the past,” said the Swiss Maestro in a previous interview. Even Rafael Nadal once claimed, “If anyone says I am better than Roger, then he doesn’t know anything about tennis.”

Now, if take a look at the next memorable on-court moment then the first thing that comes to our mind is Federer’s claim that “He’s (Nadal) going to be around for a long time,” Spaniard beat him at the 2008 Wimbledon. Then a year later, Rafael Nadal won his maiden AO title(sixth major title overall) by defeating Federer in a five-set thriller. During that time, Nadal consoled Federer by saying, “Remember, you’re a great champion. You’re one of the best of history and you’re going to better Sampras’ record.”

Then in 2011, when Roger Federer was struggling a bit with his form, Nadal was seen taking a jibe at the press for their treatment of the Swiss. He said, “You guys have tried to k-ll Roger often. But he’s always come back and proved you wrong.” Besides, these two players once managed to put up the highest attendance record in a tennis match. It happened in the 2020 edition of the ‘Match for Africa’ in Cape Town, South Africa. They raised more than $3 million from that match and nearly 51,954 people attended that match.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have always stood beside each other in different types of initiatives. For example, in 2016, Roger Federer paid a visit to the opening ceremony of Rafael Nadal Academy in Manacor. Nadal revealed how “special” it was for him and his family to see the Swiss Maestro enlightening the stage with his glorious presence. In reply to that, Federer said, “If my own kids ever choose to pursue tennis, they are going to train at Nadal’s Academy. And I’d tell all the kids to come over here.”

Then came Roger Federer‘s retirement at the 2022 Laver Cup! Both of them got a bit emotional at the time. Even this year, we’ve seen quite a few memorable moments featuring these two. Now, let’s take a look at some of those iconic moments.

How do Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer want them to be remembered in a few years?

Well, there have been plenty of such moments this year where we’ve seen two making the headlines. While addressing 52 graduates from the Rafa Nadal Academy, the Spaniard recalled a conversation he had with Roger Federer during their visit to Italian Dolomites for a photo shoot for a photo shoot as part of Louis Vuitton’s Core Values campaign. What was the conversation all about, though? They spoke about how wanted themselves to be remembered in a few years.

Rafael Nadal said, “It’s great that our achievements, our titles, and our records are recognized, but as the years go by it is probable that someone will arrive and do something better. What is important, then, is that which will always be remembered. Therefore, both Roger and I agree that we would like to be remembered as good people.”

Then, with the help of ‘Federer: Twelve Final Days’, also got a closer look at the BTS featuring Roger Federer’s last professional match at the 2022 Laver Cup. Nadal claimed, “When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too.” We all have seen him and Federer crying inconsolably while holding each other’s hand at the 2022 Laver Cup.

However, we didn’t know Roger Federer had that picture framed in his house. Speaking on that iconic picture, the Swiss said, “It reflects our camaraderie, rivalry, and friendship in one single image.” That’s how deep and meaningful their bond has become throughout these years. Both these tennis stars were also spotted sharing a heartfelt note on Andy Roddick’s retirement earlier this year.

Recently, Roger Federer yet again penned down a heartfelt note on Rafael Nadal’s retirement at the Davis Cup, but the question of the hour is: Will he be in attendance in Malaga? Well, in reply to that, Nadal said, “I didn’t talk to Roger. I think Roger has a busy schedule. By the way, of course, it’s going to be my last week on the professional tour, but I don’t think it’s going to be my last goodbye. So there are going to be other chances to do something.” Is that a hint for a possible reunion with the Swiss for a “last goodbye“?