“What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come. Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It’s been an absolute honor!” -This was Roger Federer’s initial reaction to the retirement plans of his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal. Now finally, the day has come and Nadal is all set to take part in his last professional tournament. Recently, Federer penned down yet another heartfelt note for the Spaniard where he was also seen remembering some of their fond memories and highlighting Rafa’s hilarious ‘underwear‘ ritual!

Roger Federer’s emotional post featuring the farewell of his long-time rival began with him saying, “As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.” Together they have faced other 40 times in their career and Rafael Nadal currently leads their H2H scoreline by a 24-16 margin. 

Reflecting on that stat, Federer stated that Nadal has challenged him in a way no one else could. He also mentioned how he used to make playing on clay courts feel as if he was stepping in his backyard. “You made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground. You made me reimagine my game,” Federer wrote in that post. He further went on to add, “I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All those rituals. Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear… All of it with the highest intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique—it was so you.“

Talking about this superstition, earlier this year in a fun Q&A session with kids on IG, a kid had asked him why he pulls out his underwear before his serve. In reply to that hilarious question, Rafael Nadal said, “Uf! This is coming from a long time ago. Comes from when I was very very small and it’s something that I’ve never been able to get rid of.“ Now, coming back yet again to Roger Federer’s emotional note to the Spaniard, he said “Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.” He recalled all the memorable moments from their epic journey including their friendly match in Cape Town, South Africa which broke the all-time attendance record.

He also stated how Rafael Nadal has managed to be a role model for all the kids over the years. Even he didn’t forget to thank Nadal for allowing his children to train at his academies. Then in the last few paras of that note, he mentioned how much it meant to him to see Rafael Nadal attending his farewell match at the 2022 Laver Cup. “Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.” Now, after seeing Federer recalling the moment from his farewell match, makes us wonder whether he’d be there in Nadal’s last professional match or not. Does Rafa have an idea on this?

“I think Roger has a busy schedule” – Rafael Nadal shares his thoughts on having his long-time rival in Malaga

As per several reports, Roger Federer will not be present in Malaga to pay tribute to Rafael Nadal in his last professional match. While making a comparison with the 2022 Laver Cup and 2024 Davis Cup Finals, Nadal said, “It’s a different situation. I was there to play. There, we were team-mates. Here, we are a Spanish team.” Did he have any talk with Roger Federer about whether the Swiss would be there to witness his last match?

Well, in reply to this Rafa said, “I didn’t talk to Roger. I think Roger has a busy schedule.” However, interesting, the Spaniard also went on to add, “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 is going to be other chances to do something.” Did he just drop a hint for a possible reunion with the Swiss?

Perhaps, they already have some plans on their mind. However, for now, Rafael Nadal’s only plan is to win the title for his nation and end his career on the highest note. What does an ideal farewell mean to the 22-time Grand Slam champion? “What I want is for the team to be competitive and to be able to win the Davis Cup. My big farewell would be a joy of winning with everyone,” said Rafael Nadal in a recent interview. Do you think he can fulfill his last wish?