Roger Federer officially retired from tennis during a doubles match at the Laver Cup. The final was emotional, with the great Swiss champion crying like a baby next to Rafael Nadal, a great rival in his career.

VIDEO PHOTOS Lifelong rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal wept as the Swiss retired from tennis – stunning photos from Laver Cup 2022

Rafael Nadal talks about tears after Roger Federer’s retirement

Images of Federer and Nadal crying together and holding hands have gone viral on social media.

A few days after that, Nadal told the Iberian press about the retirement of Federer, his great rival.

In an interview with cope.es, Rafa talked about the unique moments at the O2 Arena after Federer’s retirement.

“I’m a sensitive person, when you see someone you value saying goodbye, it’s hard not to get emotional. It got a little out of control (no situation), it was hard to hold back after everything that happened that night” – Rafael Nadal.

Iberian journalists wanted to know if these tears were related to the possible thought of his own retirement from professional tennis. However, the former ATP leader denied this, saying that all the emotions were only for Roger.

“No, absolutely no connection, zero (not that he didn’t think about retiring from tennis). I know that this moment will come in X or Y years. At 36 and a half years old, I know I’m at the end of my career, but I don’t think about it.

I didn’t care at all about that concern, it was all about the moment and a special person retiring. Federer’s admiration touched me immensely,” he added Rafael Nadal.

Federer and Nadal cry as the Swiss retires from tennis

Video source: Eurosport