The intense rivalry between tennis icons Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal might have simmered down, but don't mistake that for a blossoming friendship. Even though Federer was quick to send his best wishes after Nadal announced his retirement following a Davis Cup defeat by the Netherlands recently,

Roger Federer's former coach Paul Annacone claimed that sports has never had a greater competitor than the retired Rafael Nadal.

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.”