Carlos Alcaraz sent an emotional reply to Roger Federer’s tribute to Rafael Nadal (Image: GETTY)
appeared to be full of emotion as he responded to ’s heartfelt tribute to . Nadal is set to call time on his illustrious tennis career at the Davis Cup this week after two decades at the top of the sport.
Nadal will represent Spain at the tournament in Malaga to cap off a stunning career.
The 38-year-old will bow out of the sport after winning a staggering 22 Grand Slam trophies.
Federer, who won 16 of the 40 matches he played against Nadal, took to to post his as he wrote: “As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got 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 ways no-one else could.
“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 my ground.”
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Roger Federer sent a tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of the Spaniard’s retirement from tennis (Image: GETTY)
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Federer then touched upon his first match against Nadal in 2004, which the Spaniard won. “I thought I was on top of the world,” the 43-year-old added. “And I was – until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly.
“All that buzz I’d been hearing about you about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday – it wasn’t just hype.
“We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens – historic! You made Spain proud… you made the whole tennis world proud.”
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Federer then added: “Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career. We will talk when it’s done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success.
“And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next.”
The words clearly struck a chord with Alcaraz, who teamed up with Nadal for the Olympic Games doubles in the summer and is part of the Spain team in Malaga. And the four-time Grand Slam champion simply replied by posting an emoji of a face holding back tears.