- Monday, March 10, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
Ace India cricketer Virat Kohli on Friday (23) shared on social media a touching picture from the world of tennis showing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — two of the sport’s modern-day greats — turning emotional over the exit of the Swiss star who announced his retirement earlier this month. Kohli said the duo’s picture was the most beautiful sporting picture for him.
Federer appeared for his final game, a competitive doubles match alongside Nadal at the Laver Cup in London, UK. The ‘Fedal’ pair of Team Europe, who have otherwise been known for their fierce rivalry on court, lost to American pair of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World 6-4, 6-7, 9-11.
After the game, both Federer and Nadal were seen breaking down in tears in front of a packed house at the O2 Arena. It was a rare sight since the two have been known for their rivalry, meeting each other 40 times on the court with Nadal leading 24-16.
“Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That’s the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me,” Kohli said on his social media accounts.
“When your companions cry for you, you know what you’ve been able to do with your god given talent. Nothing but respect for these 2.”
Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That’s the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me?❤️??. When your companions cry for you, you know why you’ve been able to do with your god given talent.Nothing but respect for these 2. pic.twitter.com/X2VRbaP0A0
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) September 24, 2022
Meanwhile, Nadal said an important part of his life had left with the retirement of Federer.
“For me, (it) has been huge honour to be a part of this amazing moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing a lot of things together,” the Spaniard said as he paid tribute to the Swiss, who has 20 Grand Slam titles, two less than the former.
“When Roger leaves the tour, yeah, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments he has been next or in front me in important moments of my life. So has been emotional (to) see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment.”
