“A part of my life left with him” - Nadal on Federer’s career ending Laver Cup

Rafael Nadal was very emotional during the retirement ceremony of Roger Federer at the Laver Cup and he explained why.

Nadal has only ever known tennis with Federer as the Swiss ace was there when he broke out and became a professional so seeing him leave was a reality check for Nadal. He was very emotional all night long and accoring to reports shed more tears than Federer himself.

While touring South American with Ruud, Nadal explained why he was so emotional:

“There are many experiences together, important moments shared in our lives as rivals and team-mates. People have feelings and understand this sport for what it is, a sport. When you have a rival like Federer, throughout your career – because when I started Roger was already there, it’s true I played more matches with Novak than with Roger, but I started it with him [Federer]."

He continued:

“Due to our contrasting styles and personalities, due to affinity, in some way we have shared so much. Someone I have admired, who I have rivalled and also I have shared many beautiful things on and off the court was leaving. In that sense, all those moments, those feelings you have before playing a final of a Grand Slam, of an important tournament, everything that was in the air before those matches. It was different from other matches."

Nadal concluded with:

“You know you’re not going to live that again and a part of my life left with him [when he retired]. It was also the emotion of saying goodbye to someone who has been so important to our sport.”