Roger Federer pens down heartfelt letter in honor of Rafael Nadal

The story of Rafael Nadal's career can't be told without Roger Federer, and vice versa. The two all-time greats were forever linked to one another after their hat trick of Wimbledon finals in 2006, 2007 and 2008, the last of which saw Nadal finally slay the Swiss great on grass.

While Nadal finished with a 24-16 head-to-head record, Federer outlasted the Spaniard in seven of their last eight encounters, including the 2019 Wimbledon semifinal. 

The two men developed a close friendship through their playing years and continue to support each other's various endeavors. A tearful Nadal was front and center when Federer called time on his glorious career during the 2022 Laver Cup. Nadal was Federer's doubles partner in his last official match on the ATP Tour. 

With Nadal's career drawing to a close, it's Federer's turn to support his brother and greatest rival. On Tuesday, the 20-time major winner penned down a heartfelt letter through which he credited Nadal for forcing him to "reimagine" his game after he suffered a series of losses to "The King of Clay" in their early battles. 

Federer admitted he "secretly" loved Nadal's superstitions and rituals —from assembling water bottles in formation to fixing his hair or adjusting his underwear midway through a match. 

He most strikingly acknowledged that Nadal made him "enjoy the game even more."

Warning: You may need some tissues to get through this.