'It Was An Honour' - Nadal Pens Tribute To Retiring Federer

Rafael Nadal has penned an emotional tribute to Roger Federer, who announced on Thursday that he will be retiring from tennis after the Laver Cup.

41-year-old Federer has struggled with knee injuries in the last three years and has found it hard to stay fit.

Nadal said it was a pleasure sharing "amazing moments" with Federer.

“Dear Roger, my friend and rival, I wish this day would never have come,” Nadal wrote on Twitter.

“It’s been a pleasure but also an honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court.”

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have 42 Grand slams between them after battling it out on the court for many years.

Both players have met 40 times, with Nadal winning 24, while Federer can boast 16 wins.

The Laver Cup is an international indoor hard-court tennis tournament between Team Europe and Team World, the 2022 edition is billed to start on September 23 and end two days later.

See Nadal's tweet below:

Dear Roger,my friend and rival.
I wish this day would have never come. It’s a sad day for me personally and for sports around the world.
It’s been a pleasure but also an honor and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court ??

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) September 15, 2022