Roger Federer has shared an emotional letter online to honor his great rival and friend, Rafael Nadal, as the Spanish star prepares to retire from tennis. In the heartfelt message posted on social media, the Swiss maestro wrote:
Vamos, Rafa!
As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.
Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me—a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground. You made me reimagine my game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge.
I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All those rituals. Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear… All of it with the highest intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique—it was so you.
And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more.
OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was—until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly. All that buzz I’d been hearing about you—about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday—it wasn’t just hype.
We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens—historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.
I keep thinking about the memories we’ve shared. Promoting the sport together. Playing that match on half-grass, half-clay. Breaking the all-time attendance record by playing in front of more than 50,000 fans in Cape Town, South Africa. Always cracking each other up. Wearing each other out on the court and then, sometimes, almost literally having to hold each other up during trophy ceremonies.
I’m still grateful you invited me to Mallorca to help launch the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2016. Actually, I kind of invited myself. I knew you were too polite to insist on me being there, but I didn’t want to miss it. You have always been a role model for kids around the world, and Mirka and I are so glad that our children have all trained at your academies. They had a blast and learned so much—like thousands of other young players. Although I always worried my kids would come home playing tennis as lefties.
And then there was London—the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side—not as my rival but as my doubles partner. Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.
Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next. Rafa that!
Best always, your fan,
Roger
Beautiful letter to Rafa, I have watched you play tennis since you first came in the court and every year. It has been a privilege to watch you play. It won’t be the same without you playing. Good luck in your future endeavours.
Roger.. My hero.. There are no words. I love Rafa and have for these 20 years. My family all loved and loves you as do I .I guess the favorite is”what are you getting me for Christmas” interview… But watching you both together has been a life dream; your lovely letter here~priceless. Thank you forever for everything. FEDAL ALWAYS
Charming. Amusing. Elegant. Evocative of Roger Federer. Rafa as only Roger could
paint him. And he captures Rafa perfectly. They were like upstarts-full of skill, charisma, and absolute dedication to the game. Fate made them formidable foes who could bring each other to tears. The pandemic dashed our hopes of seeing Rafa at Roland Garros.
The first match we saw was in the SoCal desert. Rafa was mesmerizing on court. However, what drew intense scrutiny were Rafa’s practice sessions. Tennis fans sat
through two hour practices and were rewarded with selfies, autographs, and one eager
child was given a cap. Roger also generously signed for fans at an autograph session. In retrospect, their era is singular and unlikely to be surpassed. It is not just about stats.
What you have accomplished as sportsmen and role models is spectacular. Challenging each other resulted in some of the most stunning matches in tennis history. The fierce
competition drew so many fans to engage. You even made it look easy sometimes!
You showed us how to win and lose with grace and class. Your family support was endearing. Above all this, we notice your unwavering respect for the game and the opponent. The wonderful camaraderie evolved naturally.
How we will miss your “c’mon” and your “vamos”. It seems as though tennis is an entity
unto itself that demands and commands. As Roger addressed so well, “Tennis, I love you.
I will never leave you.” Ahhhhhhh……….we wish it could be so………….🙏🎾❤️
Beautiful said.. How I wish this wasn’t happening~but it is. Thank you…
Thank you Rafa, thank you Roger for so many joyous & memorable moments during your tennis careers. How lucky were we to be witnessing such exceptional world champions over so many many years.
Wishing you good health & much happiness in your retirement Rafa. ❤️
On Instagram Roger even colored his RF logo in the colors of the Spanish flag.
Beautiful words from Roger, while reading, you can feel his emotions, so pure and honest ❤️
Fedal forever!🥰
Yes!!!! Choked up when reading Roger’s letter. As I have said many times recently tennis 🎾 will never be the same.
What a fantastic tribute from one tennis pal (Roger F) to another (Rafael N ) it has been an honour & privilege to watch you both from my sofa admittedly, but Rafa , like so many fans I am going to miss you 100+% not only for your tennis but for your wonderful attitude to everything. Can I wish you & your wonderful family much love, health .& happiness for your future & a big X for your gorgeous little boy. Love to you all xxxx❤️❤️
Ooohhh bonito mensaje de Roger para tí Rafa, te ha descrito como eres,
Gracias Roger gracias Rafa por ser dos personas que habéis dado tanto al tenis y a mí vida, viendo partidos que han quedado en la historia,
Y lo más bonito de todo que habéis sido rivales y amigos a la vez, con dos señores del tenis como vosotros no habrá sido difícil
Un abrazo para los dos y unos especial para tí Rafa de tu fans que SIEMPRE HA ESTADO CONTIGO
Roger and Rafa…. You made tennis for me! Now it won’t be the same without you two!
A great tribute from Roger. Well said!!! I went to see you at Indians Wells! It felt like the whole world was there to see you both! The thrill of my life! You both have thrilled us all and we are sad but happy to have been a small part of it by being your fans!