Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have been fierce rivals for many years, but after sharing so many emotions they became very good friends. The Spanish sensation agreed to play doubles in the Laver Cup with Roger despite the fact that he was visibly unfit. Eventually, Rafa and Roger lost in the match tie-break to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. That was not the important part of the evening since all was about celebrating Federer’s incredible career.
After the match, the last match of Roger Federer as a professional player, Roger and Rafa could not hold their tears and they were caught holding hands crying.
They’re crying next to each other. Rafa, Roger. Please make it stop. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/srfP38tGIX
— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 23, 2022
Rafael Nadal in 2022
Now the world no.3, Rafael played his last match on the 5th of September when he surrendered to world no.19 Francis Tiafoe 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the 4th round of the U.S. Open (draw).
This year the Spaniard has an overall 38-5 win-loss record. Rafael has won 4 titles in 2022 in Melbourne, Australian Open, Acapulco and French Open. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Indian Wells.
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Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer clashed against each other 40 times. Their actual record is 24-16 for Nadal. Before, the last time they locked horns, Roger Federer won 7-6(3) 1-6 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in London (Wimbledon) in July 2019.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
