'A sad day' - Rafael Nadal hails fellow legend Roger Federer and wishes 'this day would never have come'

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has paid tribute to his great rival Roger Federer after the Swiss superstar announced his retirement on Thursday evening. Federer, 41, announced in a social media post that after this year's Laver Cup — which runs from September 23 to 25 — he will step away from tennis for good after a series of injuries and operations. Ad Nadal, who has 22 Grand Slam titles to Federer's 20, is held up as one of the men's tennis' «Big Three» alongside Federer and Serbia's Novak Djokovic.

Tennis'My greatest victory' — Federer's career-defining momentsAN HOUR AGO Writing on Twitter, Nadal said he had hoped that «this day would never have come,» but did add there were still lots of things for the pair to do together, both inside and outside the sport. «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 honour and privilege to share all these years with you, living so many amazing moments on and off the court. »We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that.

For now, I truly wish you all the happiness with your wife, Mirka, your kids, your family and enjoy what’s ahead of you. I’ll see you in London" Nadal will be alongside Federer as a part of Team Europe for the upcoming Laver Cup, that you can stream live on Eurosport and discovery+. 'Thank you for everything' — New No.1 Alcaraz pays tribute to Federer Tennis and sports stars pay tribute to Federer after retirement announcement 'Incredible adventure' — Full statement as Federer announces retirement after Laver Cup Federer and Nadal enjoyed one of the greatest sporting