What Federer was thinking when he cried with Nadal

the swiss Roger Federerwho retired from tennis last week at the Laver Cup in London, emphasized the deep respect between him and the Spaniard Rafael Nadal and considers that their relationship is an example that goes “beyond” tennis, because it shows that it is possible to be together in a “strict rivalry”.

He did so in an interview published by New York Times where he highlighted his gratitude to Nadal for participating last week in cup of laver of London in the doubles match that officially ended his legendary career.

“Rafa told me ‘I will do everything to be with you’. And that was incredible for me, it showed again what we represent for each other and the respect we have for each other one. I thought it would be good. , a good story for us, for the sport, for tennis and maybe more,” he said.

“We were able to co-exist in a tough rivalry and come out of it and show again that it’s just tennis. It’s tough, brutal at times, but always with respect. And you can come out of that and have a good friendship. in conflict,” he added.

Federer emphasized that his career ended “even better than I thought” and that he “will never” forget what Nadal did for him in London.

In his emotional farewell, he highlighted the moment where he held Nadal’s hand, both sitting on his bench crying.

“You almost forgot that they were filming you. I think there was a moment when I couldn’t speak because there was music and I held his hand, I think it was a secret ‘thank you’,” Federer said.

In the interview, the 41-year-old Swiss also admitted that before deciding to retire he had dreamed of playing tennis again, but his knee continued to give him problems.

“As time went by, I saw less and less options because my knee kept giving me problems. And at that moment I said, ‘Okay, I’ll accept it’. Because I felt that I had given the everything, that I have nothing more to prove,” he said.