Nadal Pens Heartfelt Message to Rival Roger Federer After Swiss Tennis Great Announced Retirement

• Rafael Nadal demonstrated a great act of sportsmanship towards his eternal rival and friend Roger Federer
• Despite their long-standing rivalry Nadal and Federer have nothing but sheer respect for eachother
• The two tennis stars have met each other 40 times in their career, with the Spaniard boasting more victories over his rival with their first meeting dating back 2004

Multiple Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal has penned a touching message to long-standing rival Roger Federer following the latter's announcement of retiring from the sport.

Swiss tennis great Roger Federer made public his intentions to announce his retirement from the sport, saying next week's Laver Cup will be his final ATP tournament.

Federer, the 20-time Grand Slam winner who has been struggling with a knee problem for the past couple of years, made the announcement via a letter posted on social media.

REVEALED! The top 20 dirtiest NBA players of all time

NBA

Following his decision to retire after the Laver Cup, long-standing rival and friend Rafael Nadal took to social media to bid Federer farewell in a touching message.

"Dear Roger, my friend and rival." Nadal started.

"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 honour 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.

"For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, and your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London at the LaverCup."

Ranking the 15 ugliest football players in the world

Football

Who is the best between Nadal and Federer?

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal is considered by many the greatest in men's tennis history.

Their consistency, achievements and records set have taken the sport to a different level. So, discover more about Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's comparison and know who is better.

It is not easy to pick one of the two champions as the GOAT of tennis. Their exceptional talents have even divided tennis fans in the never-ending debates about who is the best between the two stars.