Tennis legend Roger Federer, who was the first men’s Tennis player to win 20 grand slam titles, announced his decision to retire from the sport after this year’s Laver Cup. Another veteran Tennis player and Federer’s rival, Rafael Nadal, shared a heartwarming note post the announcement.

Federer, who has been missing in action since his quarterfinal loss at Wimbledon 2021 due to his longtime knee injury, posted a statement on social media last night claiming that the Laver Cup next week in London will be his final ATP event. “I am 41 years old. I have played more than 1500 matches over 24 years. Tennis has treated me more generously than I ever would have dreamt and now I must recognise when it is time to end my competitive career,” he wrote.

“This is a bitter sweet decision because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But at the same time, there is so much to celebrate. I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis, and I did it at a level that I never imagined, for much longer than I ever thought possible,” Federer further mentioned.

Reacting to the news, Nadal wrote, “Dear Roger,my friend and rival. I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world. It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court. We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.”

Nadal added, “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.” Federer won his first ever grand slam in 2003 when he won the Wimbledon title. He has since gone on to win 6 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 8 Wimbledon and 5 US Open titles, trailing Nadal and Novak Djokovic, who have won 22 and 21 grand slam titles, respectively.

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