Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal made him “enjoy the game even more” as the Spaniard retires from tennis at the Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain this week. Federer, who retired alongside Nadal at the 2022 Laver Cup, opened a letter in tribute to his great rival with the salient fact of their rivalry: “You beat me — a lot. More than I managed to beat you.”

Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal made him enjoy tennis “even more” during a rivalry that spanned 40 matches over 15 years. Writing on social media Tuesday, hours before the start of the Davis Cup Final 8,

The Swiss Maestro arranged his retirement for the 2022 Laver Cup in London, asking Nadal to share the court with him in the doubles match. Rafa could not refuse such an offer despite injuries and setbacks, traveling to London and competing alongside his good friend for the final time.