'That plaque will remain there forever': Roger Federer praises Rafael Nadal's 'incredible' Roland Garros farewell

Roger Federer recently spoke about the tribute his rival, Rafael Nadal, received at Roland Garros a few weeks ago. The Swiss maestro acknowledged that they were "very emotional moments" and offered words of praise for his greatest rival.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was one of the honored guests at Rafa Nadal's farewell ceremony at the French Open at the start of the tournament. The Spaniard—a 14-time champion in Paris—received a plaque with his footprint, which was placed on the main court next to the net of Philippe Chatrier, in a tribute that will remain for posterity at Roland Garros.

Federer—alongside Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray—gathered to honor Nadal in another emotional reunion of the Big Four. Federer took a secondary role in the tribute to his friend and rival this time and expressed his joy at the grand tribute Nadal received. "It was incredible. I think everyone loved the tribute, especially Rafa, who was the one who had to love it," commented the Swiss Maestro. "I've heard him in several interviews talking about how he felt, that makes me very happy."

"They were moments of great emotion, gratitude; it was incredible to see his reaction when they showed the plaque with his name," he added. "For me, that was the most emotional part; that plaque will remain there forever, all the players who step onto the court will see it, and surely they will be inspired and motivated by him. Honestly, he had the farewell and the tribute he deserved."

"I'm happy for him, grateful for allowing me to experience it there with them, I hadn't seen them for many months. It's always a pleasure to meet with Rafa's whole family and friends, I'm lucky to know them and I loved seeing them all so happy. The public was also impressive."

Nadal and Federer faced each other a total of 40 times in their careers, with Nadal leading the head-to-head 24-16. Six of those encounters were at Roland Garros, all resulting in wins for Nadal, including four finals (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011) and two semi-finals (2005, 2019).