"I haven't seen the photo, I'm not a big fan of social networks; I'm a sensitive person" - Rafael Nadal recalls crying during Roger Federer's farewell
Rafael Nadal has again spoken about his emotions during Roger Federer's farewell at the recently-concluded Laver Cup.
Nadal partnered the Swiss in what was the final match of the latter's career, a doubles clash against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. The duo lost 4-6, 7-6(2), 11-9 but the moments that followed the match were something that tennis fans are unlikely to ever forget.
Roger Federer was in tears as he bid farewell to tennis, while Rafael Nadal was alongside the Swiss and looked unable to control his emotions either.
Your greatest rival is crying with you! Speaks up the magnitude of his legendary career! 🥲
#LaverCup2022 #Fedal #Federer #Nadal https://t.co/Op0QGNR9hT
At a recent press conference in Spain, Nadal was asked about the image of him sitting next to Federer with tears in his eyes. The Spaniard responded by saying that being a sensitive person, it was hard for him not to get emotional.
"Well, I haven't seen the photo. I'm not a big fan of social networks, I'm sorry for that," Rafael Nadal said. "I'm a sensitive person, and when you see someone you appreciate like that, it's hard not to get emotional, although it got a little out of hand. When I got to my room, I got emotional again. But because of what was experienced that night, it was difficult not to get excited."
Nadal was also asked if his emotions were in part due to a feeling that his own retirement could be coming up soon, to which he replied in the negative.
"I know that the moment of my retirement will come within 'x' or 'x' plus a little years, but with 36 years and a half, we are in the final stretch of my career," he said. "But now I neither consider it nor do I want to consider it. My emotion was not because of that, but because of the appreciation I feel towards Federer."
🏾 
translation from rafa’s spanish part of the presser last night.
looks like he’s dealing with a lot right now. hopefully all goes well in his personal life, and he gets healthy enough again to resume his professional life soon 🙏🏾
source: ultimahora.es/deportes/tenis… https://t.co/npfuZA5H6n
"He told me ten days before announcing it" - Rafael Nadal on Roger Federer's retirement
Rafael Nadal added that Roger Federer told him about his intentions to retire ten days before announcing it to the world.
"He told me 10 days before announcing it but I didn't even know if he could play the doubles, because of the knee," Nadal said. "We postponed the conversation a week later, and he also knew that, due to my situation, I cannot be away from home for a long time."
"The only thing I could say to him is 'confirm that you are going to play to manage it everything, and as little as I can, I will be with you, whether you play or not,'" he added.
Nadal did not play another match at the Laver Cup and pulled out of the competition due to personal reasons.
Also check out:- Roger Federer Net Worth