When Roger Federer is at home, he has taken steps to ensure that he is constantly reminded of Rafael Nadal.
After their heartfelt reunion upon Rafael Nadal’s retirement, Roger Federer has said that he has a memento of the tennis player at his house.
At the 2022 Laver Cup, the 20-time Grand Slam champion famously wept and held hands with his former opponent as he concluded his career following a doubles match with Rafael Nadal.
A picture of the touching exchange went viral. Federer acknowledged that he had the well-known photo framed at his house, so he is fully aware of it.
“I have it framed in a room at home with other pictures from my profession. I have pictures in a certain spot because I don’t want them all over the place,” Federer told El Pais.
Despite being in a group photo, the former world number one acknowledged that this particular one was very unique. “And every time I walk by it, it draws my attention because it captures our friendship, rivalry, and camaraderie all in one single image,” he continued.
The 42-year-old went on, “In that instant, Ellie Goulding was singing and it’s a moment in which we are both able to reflect on all we have just experienced, remembering our career and how lucky we have been to be tennis players, to have been able to turn our hobby into a dream job.” He recalled the moment when he and Rafael Nadal sobbed together.
Federer found it difficult to articulate the significance of the picture for him. “I’m not sure. It’s certainly more important to me than to Rafa, but maybe I should ask him that,” he remarked.
Nearly two years ago, in London’s O2 Arena, Federer formally hung up his racket. The former world No. 1 said he had to listen to his health and retire after multiple surgeries and a persistent knee problem failed to heal.
His final dance took place in the Laver Cup, a team competition he founded in Rod Laver’s honor; his last game was a doubles match with Rafael Nadal. On the Team Europe bench, Federer and Rafael Nadal were inconsolable following their defeat as honors were given to Federer’s 24-year career.
Twelve Final Days, a brand-new behind-the-scenes documentary, will revisit Federer’s retirement and will be available on Prime Video beginning Thursday. The material was originally recorded for a home video and was never intended for public release.
However, Federer made the decision to make it public so that his followers might understand the circumstances leading up to and following his heartfelt departure.