Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have been criticised for missing the retirement ceremony of long-term rival, Rafael Nadal.
Novak Djokovic & Roger Federer Miss Rafael Nadal Retirement Event
The criticism has come from Spain’s Davis Cup captain, David Ferrer, who described the farewell match and retirement ceremony for Rafael Nadal as ‘watered down’ and ‘a bit sad’.
In particular, the Spanish captain identified Roger Federer and Novak Dojkovic’s absence as the key part – with the two playing a major part in Nadal’s career.
Nadal’s final match ended in defeat, as the tennis icon was defeated by Botic van de Zandsculp (6-4, 6-4) during Spain’s 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands in Malaga.
The European nation were eliminated from the Davis cup and this defeat was confirmed to be the final match in the stunning career of Rafael Nadal.
Nadal took the microphone to give a truly heartfelt speech after Carlos Alcaraz, who is one of the favourites to win the Australian Open in January 2025 on UK betting sites, and Marcel Granollers lost the pivotal doubles match.
Ferrer then gave a speech of his own, as he thanked Nadal for his commitment to the sport and help towards the evolution of Spanish tennis.
A list of tennis icons paid tribute to Nadal with a video message, as Andy Murray, Serena Williams, Federer and Djokovic spoke about their respective rivalries with Nadal.
Ferrer then spoke in an interview with Spanish outlet, El Partidazo de Cope, revealing his misery over Spain’s defeat and Nadal’s retirement in general.
He said: “I’m sad about everything, about how it happened, about losing the tie… it wasn’t the scenario we wanted. We were favourites but we didn’t show it
“And the farewell to someone as important as Rafa was watered down; very important people in his career were missing, as well as people who have been so important at the level of his rivals and his team. I missed those people.
“Things are what they are and you have to accept them. Rafa will have a lot of time where he will be honoured in big tournaments and he will have the farewell he deserves. It was his last match, we won’t see him on a court again and I missed that.”
“The farewell was done with the best of intentions, it was after losing and in a hurry… it was a bit sad. I missed Federer, Djokovic, [Pau] Gasol, who is a close friend of his.
“I shouldn’t have spoken. Rafa’s greatness is not going to change with a better or worse tribute.”
