The bond between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is rightly described by Martina Navratilova, when she said “there is no Federer without Nadal.” They went from being rivals to friends, with their former relationship coming to an end at the 2022 Laver Cup, where the two shed tears together. Despite the emotional moment, Federer couldn’t help but take a funny jibe at the Mallorcan being overcome with emotions.

A fan recently shared Roger Federer’s interesting bits about Nadal during his retirement in an Instagram Live. Remembering the moments after the two lost their doubles match, he could not help but poke Rafa for breaking down when his biggest rival retired. “Rafa went super emotional. I’m still trying to understand why (laugh),” said the Swiss Maestro.

Federer’s hilarious remark would overwhelm their fans with emotions as it serves as a throwback of his retirement. It served as the most entertaining aspect of tennis for a long time, and to watch it end made many emotional.

Despite Federer’s retirement, the iconic duo continues to appear together off-court. In an exclusive Louis Vuitton advertisement, Nadal shared how special it was to be able to compete with Federer during the span of his career. “So for me personally, today, being part of it is something that I am super proud of. And to share this opportunity with probably my biggest rival and a close friend today makes this more special”- Nadal.

Federer and Nadal have played 40 times against each other and occupied the world’s number one and two spots from 2005 to 2009. They would achieve this record from September 2017 to October 2018 as well. Following the long stay in such a position, the pair made a record of being at the top for six years.

Nadal’s statement revealed that he was not just a great opponent of Federer, but he was someone who appreciated his bond with the Swiss Maestro as well. Apart from the jokes, the Swiss legend also showed his gratitude for the evolution of their bond.

Roger Federer believed that his rivalry with Nadal was “definitely a special relationship”

Rafa often felt overwhelmed with emotions whenever he talked about his Swiss rival. Similarly, Federer also expressed love for Rafael Nadal. In the same Louis Vuitton ad as they indulged in retrospection,

Federer complimented Nadal most beautifully. “It is a unique opportunity to be working together with Rafa. It is definitely a special relationship. We could be such rivals but then to actually end up at the end of our career being able to sit along side one another and do such a campaign is cool”- said the Swiss former world’s number-one ATP star.

The two have nothing but kind words as we can see from their interactions. Roger Federer’s funny jibe at Nadal’s emotional moment at his retirement at Laver Cup 2022 expresses their friendship beyond their on-court rivalry. Federer and Nadal’s iconic partnership shows people how tennis brings people closer despite their professional battles on the court.