Rafael Nadal bids heartfelt farewell to Roger Federer: 'I wish this day would have never come'

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Rafeal Nadal bid a classy farewell to one of his fiercest competitors Thursday after 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer shook the tennis world with news of his retirement. 

The announcement was no surprise with Federer’s recent status on the ATP Tour, but it was a day Nadal wished "would never have come." 

Roger Federer of Switzerland, right, shakes hands with Rafael Nadal of Spain after defeating him in the men's singles semifinal at Wimbledon July 12, 2019, in London.  (Simon Bruty/Anychance/Getty Images)

"Dear Roger, my friend and rival," Nadal began in his open letter to Federer. 

"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."

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Federer’s dominance in the sport is matched only by a few, including Nadal. On the ATP Tour, the Spaniard is 24-16 in head-to-head matchups, but Federer’s 103 career titles tops Nadal’s 92. 

"We will have many more moments to share together in the future, there are still lots of things to do together, we know that," Nadal added. "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."

Roger Federer, right, of Switzerland, and Rafael Nadal of Spain during a match at Cape Town Stadium as part of an exhibition to support the education of African children Feb. 8, 2020, in Cape Town, South Africa.  (Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

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