MALAGA – Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal made him enjoy tennis “even more” during a rivalry that spanned 40 matches over 15 years.

Writing on social media Tuesday, hours before the start of the Davis Cup Final 8, Nadal’s last event before retiring, Federer began his message with the word “Vamos” and said, “As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I have a few things to share before I maybe get emotional.”

“Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me – a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in a way no one else could,” Federer said. “On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold on. You made me rethink my game—even going that far that I changed the size of my racket head, hoping for some advantage.”

Federer, now 43, was established as No. 1 in the rankings when Nadal, now 38, joined. Federer began his career with a 7-0 record in Grand Slam finals before his first loss at that stage came against Nadal in the 2006 French Open final, the first of their three consecutive title matches in Paris – each by the same results.

Nadal also defeated Federer in the 2008 Wimbledon final, ending the Swiss star’s bid for a sixth consecutive championship at the All England Club.

Overall, Nadal leads their head-to-head series 26-14, including 10-4 in Grand Slam tournaments and 6-3 in Slam finals.

Still, Federer told Nadal in his post, referring to him by the nickname Rafa: “You made me enjoy the game even more.”

They helped form the big three in men’s tennis along with Novak Djokovic, who is still active at age 37 and has won a men’s record 24 major trophies. Nadal is next on the list with 22followed by Federer with 20.

“What an incredible run you’ve had,” Federer wrote. “Including 14 French Opens – historic! You made Spain proud … you made the whole tennis world proud.”

When Federer left the sport behind playing a double match in the Laver Cup in September 2022 his partner was Nadal. The two sat side by side afterwards and cried.

“It meant everything to me that you were there by my side – not as my rival but as my doubles partner,” Federer wrote on Tuesday. “Sharing the court with you that night and sharing those tears will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.”

Nadal’s Spanish team was due to face the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday. Neither Nadal nor Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, would say on Monday whether Nadal will play singles or doubles, both – or neither.

“Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last part of your epic career. We’ll talk when it’s done,” Federer wrote. “I want you to know that your old friend is always rooting for you and will equally high for everything you do next.”

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis