Roger Federer has revealed that he keeps a piece of Rafael Nadal in his home after they shared an emotional moment together when he retired.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion famously held hands with his old rival and sobbed as he ended his career at the 2022 Laver Cup after playing a doubles match with Nadal.
A photo of the teary encounter went viral. And Federer is well aware of the famous image as he admitted he had it framed in his own home.
“I have it at home, framed, in a space where I have several images of my career. I don’t want photos everywhere, that’s why I have them in a specific area,” Federer told El Pais.
Although the picture sits among several others, the former world No. 1 admitted that this one was extra special. He added: “And when I pass by it, it always catches my attention because it reflects our camaraderie, our friendship and also the rivalry, all in one single image.”
Recalling the moment that he and Nadal cried together, the 42-year-old continued: “In that instant, Ellie Goulding was singing and it’s a moment in which we are both able to reflect on all we 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.”
But Federer struggled to put into words what the photo meant to him. “I don’t know. Maybe I should ask Rafa that, but it’s probably more important to me than to him,” he said.
Federer officially hung up his racket in London’s O2 Arena almost two years ago. After he failed to come back from a persistent knee injury and several surgeries, the former world No. 1 said he had to listen to his body and retire.
His last dance came at the Laver Cup, a team tournament he created to honour Rod Laver, and his final match was a doubles outing alongside Nadal. After they lost, Federer and Nadal were in tears on the Team Europe bench as tributes were paid to Federer’s 24-year career.
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