"Without him Federer would not have been so great" - Matteo Berrettini reveals he consoled a heartbroken Rafael Nadal after Roger Federer's emotional farewell at Laver Cup
Roger Federer's retirement at the Laver Cup brought out emotions in everyone present at the venue, including his fellow players. The most eye-catching among the reactions came from Rafael Nadal, Federer's biggest rival and very close friend.
While the Swiss legend's family members consoled an emotional Nadal, Matteo Berrettini also had a special message for his Team Europe teammate on the occasion.
Berrettini told the teary-eyed Spaniard that he had played a huge role in Federer's greatness, given that their rivalry was one for the ages.
"I told Nadal that without him Federer would not have been so great," Matteo Berrettini said during an interview with Eurosport.
Quite fittingly, Federer played his final career match with Nadal as his partner in a doubles contest. Both men were moved to tears right after the match.
Speaking further about the memorable night, Berrettini stressed that everyone was overwhelmed with emotion and was in tears, including Novak Djokovic.
"Federer's mother hugged me and thanked me. Djokovic was crying yesterday too," Berrettini said.
The 2021 Wimbledon finalist also expressed his sheer delight at being part of the occasion at the Laver Cup. Berrettini won his singles match against Felix Auger-Aliassime before combining with Djokovic to get a doubles win for Team Europe on Saturday.
"I feel very happy to be here. It is difficult to describe, but I am proud. I am happy to have won my match this afternoon against Felix," Berrettini added.
"Difficult to hold emotions in that moment" - Rafael Nadal on Roger Federer's emotional farewell
In the aftermath of the emotional retirement ceremony, Rafael Nadal opened up about the occasion and his teary-eyed reaction to it.
The duo's doubles match not only ended the Swiss great's career but also signaled the end of the iconic 'Fedal' on the tennis court. Nadal stated that an important part of him had left too with his friend's retirement, as the two had shared many great moments over the previous 18 years on tour.
The Spaniard also elaborated on why he could not contain his emotions on Friday night.
"Too many years, both of us sharing important things for our lives. When Roger leaves, I'm losing an important part of my life, it's leaving with him. Difficult to hold emotions in that moment. As Roger said, at the end, that's life...For him, it was a fantastic end on the court and that's what I like to see," Nadal said in an interview with Laver Cup.
Their doubles match on Day 1 of the tournament was the first time the two tennis greats shared the court together in a match since they faced each other in the 2019 Wimbledon semifinals. That Wimbledon contest turned out to be their final ever match against each other, which the Swiss maestro won in four sets.
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