Rafael Nadal played alongside Roger Federer in his farewell match at the Laver Cup on Friday night. The iconic ‘Fedal’ partnership went down fighting against the Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in three sets 6-4,6-7,9-11. Federer had unsuccessful knee surgery and since he wouldn’t be able to compete at the highest level once again, he decided to take the tough call a few days ago.
Since Federer wasn’t sure about competing in Singles, he decided to end his career by playing doubles with his biggest rival and friend, Rafael Nadal. Federer and Nadal are probably the most iconic duo in tennis history and it was fitting that the Swiss maestro ended his career alongside Nadal. But the Spaniard himself wasn’t doing well on a personal level either.
He hadn’t competed since losing in the Round of 16 of the US Open to Frances Tiafoe and didn’t intend to play any sooner because of personal issues in his life. Nadal’s wife, Maria, is going through some serious pregnancy complications for the past month and it is a very hard time for the Nadal family.
But since things are a bit better now, Nadal decided to play alongside Federer in his retirement match and after the match, revealed how tough was it for him to make a trip to London leaving his pregnant wife back home. He also said that the last few weeks have been very difficult for him and he has been a subject of a lot of stress.
“They have been difficult weeks, few hours of sleep, a little stress in general. The situation is a little more complicated than usual at home. I have had to deal with a different pressure than what you are used to in professional life. Luckily everything It’s fine, much calmer, and in that sense, I have been able to come here, which was important to me,” Nadal said as quoted by Marca.
Also Read: WATCH: The ‘crazy’ US Open dancing fan takes off 11 ‘RF and Nadal’ t-shirts during Roger Federer’s farewell match
Rafael Nadal confirms he has withdrawn from the Laver Cup
Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal
After playing the doubles match, Nadal has withdrawn from the Laver Cup. Speaking to the media, he confirmed that he won’t be playing any further in the tournament. He also said that he will be making a call about whether to stay or leave for Spain in the coming hours.
“I’m not fine. I’m not going to play. If I’m going or not… I need to go back to the room and think about it. That’s where I have to say it. I have a very important internal conflict and right now I can’t answer you. When all these moments of excitement I will go back to my room and see what I have to do,” Nadal said.
Also Read: WATCH: When Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that he takes inspiration from Roger Federer on how to stay top after the thirties
