Rafael Nadal tweets tribute to Roger Federer: 'I wish this day would have never come'

Jul 12, 2019; London, United Kingdom; Roger Federer (SUI) reacts during his match against Rafael Nadal (ESP) on day 11 at the All England Lawn and Croquet Club. Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports

Rafael Nadal tweets tribute to 'friend and rival' Roger Federer: 'I wish this day would have never come'

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/15/22

Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer announced his upcoming retirement on Thursday morning. Among the scores of people to post their reactions on Twitter was Rafael Nadal, who's commonly been viewed as Federer's biggest rival (albeit friendly) over the course of their respective careers.

We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.
For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London @LaverCup
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022

Nadal, who is five years Federer's junior at 36 years old, is the all-time leader in Grand Slam men's singles titles with 22, while Novak Djokovic has 21. Federer retires alone in third place on the list, well ahead of fourth-place Pete Sampras, who retired in 2002.

Though the 41-year-old native of Switzerland hasn't competed since his quarterfinal loss at Wimbledon in 2021 -- due to a third knee surgery in less than two years -- Federer is scheduled to team up with Nadal in doubles play at the Laver Cup. The event is slated for Sept. 23 to Sept. 25.

According to the ATP Tour official website, Nadal has a 24-16 record in head-to-head meetings with Federer. The final matchup between the duo went to Federer in the 2019 Wimbledon semifinals, 7-6 (7-3), 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

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