Retirement of a tennis legend – It was hate

The friendship between the two tennis legends seems only logical. Because as much as the game of Federer, who floats elegantly across the court, and Nadal, who fights doggedly and screams loudly with every shot, differs, they also have a lot in common: no outbursts of anger including smashed rackets, no private scandals, nothing but appreciative words for every opponent , no excuses if you lose and always a lot of time for the fans. Both strive to be the best possible ambassadors for the sport of tennis. Both also founded charities and sometimes organized matches together to raise money for their causes. In the end, Federer had almost no choice but to like his great rival – and neither did I.

But I first had to grow up to see all these sides of Nadal – and then to be able to admire his achievements with recognition instead of a hateful knot in my chest. Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles, his two Olympic gold medals and 209 weeks at the top of the world rankings are by no means the result of unfair means, as I previously suspected. These are the laurels of an extremely talented man who knew how to inspire with harder work and an almost endless fighting spirit.

It is precisely this fighting spirit that has enabled Nadal to work his way back to the top of the world again and again over the years after countless injuries caused by his physically grueling game.

So it happens that Nadal is now allowed to play his last match as a professional – contrary to what everyone expected – at the upper age of 38. And even if I never would have believed it before: I will watch the match – and cheer him on.