Federer explains the story behind an unforgettable photo with Nadal at the Laver Cup
Roger Federer’s tennis career has officially ended after he lost the doubles match alongside rival Rafael Nadal in the 2022 Laver Cup last Friday.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion’s post-match gala was touching for everyone at the O2 Arena in London.
Federer and Nadal let tears flow after the match, and a viral photo has now been taken of the two opponents-turned-friends holding hands in tears.
Federer said in his first interview since his retirement New York timesChristopher Cleary That he saw a picture of him and Nadal, and explained what he was thinking during that moment.
“Well, I mean, it was a short moment,” Federer said. “I think at one point, I was crying so hard, I don’t know, it was all on my mind about how happy I was to experience this moment out there with everyone. And I think that’s what was so beautiful just sitting there, enjoying everything while the music was on, and maybe The focus was more on her [the singer Ellie Goulding]. So, you almost forgot that you are still taking pictures.
“I think at one point, just because obviously I couldn’t talk and the music was there, I think I just touched it, and I think maybe it’s a secret, thank you,” Federer continued. “I don’t know what it was, but for me, that was probably what it was and how I felt and some pictures of it came out of it. Different. Not only that, but other things as well, it was just totally crazy, you know, so from different angles, and I hope I get on it because it means a lot to me.”
Nadal, who leads men’s tennis history with 22 Grand Slam titles, only played in a doubles match with Federer in the Laver Cup before returning to his pregnant wife.
Federer made it clear before the Laver Cup that he wanted his last professional match to be played with his close friend Nadal. Apparently, he called the Spaniard right after his run at this year’s US Open to make sure he would find time to reach the Laver Cup.
Federer said: “Rafa told me, ‘I will try my best to be with you.'” And that was obviously unbelievable to me. Show once again how much we mean each other and how much respect we hold. And I think it’s just going to be a beautiful, amazing story for us, for the sport, for tennis, and maybe beyond as well, where we can live through a tough competition and come out on top and show that, hey, again it’s just tennis.”
Federer and Nadal have competed against each other 40 times in their careers, with 24 of those encounters taking place in the tournament finals. The Spaniard set a record 24-16 over the Swiss, and scored 14-10 in the finals.
More tennis coverage:
