Federer, Tyson, Woods, Ali, Nadal: Sport's 20 greatest ever rivalries

Roger Federer announced his retirement from tennis this week and the sporting world has had something in its eye ever since.

In an emotional statement on Thursday, the legendary Grand Slam champion revealed that he would be hanging up his racket after he competes at the Laver Cup in London later this month.

The 41-year-old wrote: “This is a bittersweet decision because I will miss everything the tour has given me. But, at the same time, there is so much to celebrate.

“I consider myself one of the most fortunate people on Earth. I was given a special talent to play tennis and I did it at a level that I never imagined for much longer than I ever thought possible.”

It really has been incredible to watch Federer all these years with his breath-taking ability and unerring respectfulness making him a much-loved role model to sports fans around the world.

But of all the tributes paid to Federer upon his touching announcement, you’d be hard-pressed to argue that any of them tugged harder at the heart strings than that of Rafael Nadal.

In a movingly personal message to his greatest of competitors, Nadal reflected: “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

“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.”

It truly has been one of the biggest treats of all sporting history to