Virat Kohli: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s emotional photo of their on-court rivalry was shared by Virat Kohli, who described it as the most beautiful sporting image he had ever seen. On Friday, September 23, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played in their final match in a competitive match at the Laver Cup after Federer revealed his intention to retire last week.
Team Europe’s “Fedal” pair was defeated by Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World 6-4, 6(2)-7, and 9-11.
“Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That’s the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me. When your companions cry for you, you know what you’ve been able to do with your god given talent. Nothing but respect for these 2.” Kohli wrote on Instagram.
Federer finished his competitive career with 20 Grand Slam singles titles, two behind the all-time record which Nadal currently holds. In front of a raucous crowd at the O2 Arena, Federer and Nadal both sobbed after the game. Having met each other 40 times, the pair had one of the most intense rivalries.
“For me, (it) has been huge honour to be a part of this amazing moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing a lot of things together,” Nadal said while speaking about his rival.
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“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments he has been next or in front me in important moments of my life. So has been emotional (to) see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment.”
Meanwhile, Nadal said that with Federer’s retirement, a significant aspect of life had been lost. With 20 Grand Slam singles titles at the conclusion of his professional career, Federer fell two short of Rafael Nadal’s current record.
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