You know the sport’s evolving when one of its vintage best says so, in this case, Roger Federer. The ‘Swiss Maestro’ has been trending lately, with his take on rival and close friend Rafael Nadal‘s retirement. Fed believes that the sport is changing now and highkey, he has a point. With Federer retired and the curtain closing in on Nadal’s stellar career, young stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are taking up the reins.

Let’s not kid ourselves, Sinner and Alcaraz haven’t been loitering around the tour. The duo regularly finess their competitors and, have occupied the top two spots in the ATP rankings – with Italian Sinner comfortably seated at the No. 1 position. Federer addressed how the circuit is getting a renewed look with legends hanging their rackets and rising stars bridging the gap.

In an exclusive interview at the Shanghai Masters, Federer highlighted the ‘changing landscape’ of tennis with the heart-wrenching retirement of icons like Serena Williams, Andy Murray, and Rafael Nadal. The veteran also outlined Novak Djokovic’s “tough year,” with his sole noteworthy achievement witnessed at the Paris Olympics, wherein the Serb concluded his long-standing dream of bagging the elusive gold. Later, the 43-year-old reflected on Sinner and Alcaraz’s glory at the Grand Slam stage – coupled with their consistent performances.

The Swiss maestro said, “You can feel the changing of the guards. Serena Williams retiring, Andy Murray retiring, Rafa getting closer and closer. Novak having a tough year overall but then winning the Olympics. So yes, you feel that everything is shifting, and then Sinner and Alcaraz winning each two slams. That shows you the wave is truly coming and the changes are consistent.”

For those unaware, Briton Murray called it quits on his two-decade-long career this season. Despite having a lot in him, being injury-plagued for the past few seasons thwarted his comeback chances. As for Nadal, the Spaniard shocked fans with his surprise retirement call merely a day ago. However, what followed wasn’t surprising, as his close friend Federer shared an emotional message for him.

Roger Federer pens heartfelt note to Rafael Nadal following retirement shocker

The world will never have another Rafael Nadal. The Spanish superstar furnished fans with his thrilling and hard-fought victories spanning two decades. However, recurring injuries brought his impressive form down around his ears. Having lost to multiple lower-ranked players in the last few years and being sidelined due to physical restraints might have urged Nadal to make the big call. Taking to social media, the former World No. 1 issued a statement confirming that the Davis Cup Final 8 in November will be his final dance.

Taking notice of the update, Roger Federer commented under Rafa’s Instagram post. The Swiss star wrote: 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.” Both players share a rich history, from clashing in countless battles to partaking in emotional sightings during Federer’s farewell ceremony at the Laver Cup in 2022.

For the unversed, Rafa will play in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Saudi Arabia before marking his final appearance at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga.