"Dear Roger, my friend and rival, I wish this day would have never come" - Nadal after Federer's retirement

Rafael Nadal reacted to the news of Roger Federer by writing a heartfelt message on social media wishing that it never came.

Federer and Nadal were fierce rivals early on in their career but grew to respect each other tremendously over the next years as they wrote new chapters in tennis history. Their rivalry will for many fans be the best of all time because it's built upon tremendous tennis skill and a huge dose of respect.

It's unlike any other and even their individual rivalries with Djokovic don't come close in terms of the impact it had on tennis. That is why Nadal wrote what he wrote:

"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."

He added:

"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 at the Laver Cup."