Rafael Nadal was reduced to tears as he bid his great friend and rival Roger Federer goodbye from the sport following the pair's defeat in the Laver Cup on Friday night.
Two icons of the sport, Nadal and Federer paired up to take on Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at London's O2 arena last night for the Swiss's final professional match following a storied career.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner rolled back the years as he produced some signature shots for the ages in the toughly-fought clash in the English capital. However, he and the Spaniard ended up losing 6-4, 6-7(2), 9-11.
READ MORE: Roger Federer in tears as he bids farewell to professional tennis
An emotional goodbye followed. Federer wept as he was consoled and congratulated by Team Europe, while Nadal was also clearly in a tearful state. In fact, there was scarcely a dry eye in the house.
Bother Federer and Nadal, a duo which have gone head to head in some of the most memorable on-court rivalries, then sat beside one another courtside as Ellie Goulding performed. They cried right through the performance as emotions ran high at the O2.
Speaking afterwards, Nadal said: “With Roger leaving the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments that he has been next or in front of me. So [it’s] been emotional to see the family, to see all the people.
“Our styles make our matches and our rivalry probably one of the biggest and most interesting. I think every year, the personal relationship gets better and better. … It’s something very beautiful after all the things that we shared together and all the important things that we [fought] for such a long time.”
And then the mic was left for Federer, a giant who will sit near the top of the pantheon of all-time tennis greats.
“It’s been a wonderful day. I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here. I’m happy I made it through,” Federer said.
“It’s been the perfect journey. I’d do it all again. Everyone’s here, the boys and girls. My wife has been so supportive. She could have stopped me a long, long time ago but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play, so it’s amazing – thank you.
“Being with the guys and having family and friends, I didn’t feel the stress so much even if I felt something would go during the match. I am so glad I made it through and the match was great. I couldn’t be happier.”
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