Federer's tribute to Nadal: 'You made the tennis world proud'

Not even time to enjoy the victory of the Italian women's team in the Billie Jean King Cup against Poland, and the landing in the final thanks to the decisive doubles won by Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani just before midnight last night, that today the chats of tennis fans were filled with a photo that takes us back in time: it is the image of a written text, this time, of Roger Federer's letter to Rafa Nadal on social media that consecrates once again the special relationship between the two champions, sealed by that neologism, "Fedal", in the hearts of those who love this sport. In the Swiss's tribute to the Spaniard, who will end his career in his homeland, during the Davis Cup in Malaga (today at 5pm there is Spain-Holland), flooded by the love of his people and that of those who will follow the farewell on TV, there are the friendship, esteem, affection grown alongside a 20-year rivalry. "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, I felt like I was stepping into your backyard. You made me reinvent my game, even going so far as to change the size of the head of my racket, hoping for an advantage,' began Roger Federer, who then went on to emphasise how 'after the Australian Open in 2004 I reached the No. 1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was at the top of the world. And I was, until two months later, when you took the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing those biceps, you beat me convincingly.... We were at the beginning of our journey and we finally did it together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: what an incredible run you had. Including 14 French Opens, historic! You made Spain proud... you made the whole tennis world proud." And then the memory of the tears, unstoppable, in September 2022 when Roger left tennis and played his last match right next to Rafa in the Laver Cup: "It meant everything to me to have you 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 remain one of the most special moments of my journey." Finally, the consecration: "Rafa, I know you are focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We'll talk about it when it's over. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and your team, who played a key role in your success. And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you and will cheer just as strongly for everything you do next."

It is a foretaste of the commotion that will be experienced in a few days, in Malaga, when everyone will be gathered to celebrate Rafa Nadal and his greatness. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will also be there...and the mind already races to 'Sinneraz'.