Former Australian tennis star Casey Dellacqua says there is probably a reason why Roger Federer used the word "graduating" in his retirement letter to Rafael Nadal because one chapter is closed and the next one completely new is set to start.
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After turning pro in 2001, the Spanish tennis icon officially put an end to his astonishing career earlier this week after 23 years on the Tour. Two years earlier, the record eight-time Wimbledon champion walked away from pro tennis after 24 years in it.
Throughout the week, tributes have been pouring in Nadal's way. And one of the most touching and beautifully written came from Federer, who write a very lengthy post in which he reflected on their historic rivalry but also the moments they shared on and off the court.
"As you get ready to graduate from tennis, Ive got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," the former 20-time Grand Slam champion wrote in his letter.
For some fans, it was a bit funny to see Federer use that analogy. But Dellacqua, who was on the WTA Tour between 2002 and 2018, seemed to have perfectly understood that part.
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Explaining why, the former world No. 26 suggested that players do tennis their whole life - from childhood to adult years - until they decide to put a curtain on their pro career. And once you are done with the game, it becomes a completely different life from what you have used ot and that's why some "get hit pretty hard" by it.
Having had transitioned in the last five years out of tennis and when your whole self-identity is wrapped up in being Casey Dellacqua the tennis player, Rafael Nadal the tennis player, the word retired does hit quite hard. I think the word graduating might to others seem a bit funny, but I think its a very good analogy in terms of OK, youre graduating from that part of your life, but that does not mean that whatevers next is next, but youve ticked and graduated with almost like a masters of tennis," Dellacqua told the Australian Open website.
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Dellacqua shares thoughts on Federer's message to Nadal
In his letter, the 43-year-old figured out multiple ways to show his appreciation, love and respect for the 38-year-old. He even funnily remarked that he enjoyed the Spaniard's superstitions.
"Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so uniqueit was so you. And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more," Federer wrote.
Early on in their rivalry, an 18-year-old Nadal won five consecutive of their meetings and held a 6-1 head-to-head against the Swiss after the 2006 French Open. In the end, the Spaniard finished with 24 wins and 16 losses.
"OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the #1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I wasuntil 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 Id been hearing about youabout this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major somedayit wasnt just hype," Federer added.
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"We were both at the start of our journey and its one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run youve had. Including 14 French Openshistoric! You made Spain proud... you made the whole tennis world proud."
In the same message, the Swiss former world No. 1 also recounted some of their most special moments, like the 2022 Laver Cup, their exhibition match on a half-grass, half-clay court, the Cape Town exho that drew more than 50k spectators, etc. At the end, Federer told Nadal that "your old friend will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next."
Reflecting on it, Dellacqua described it as "so respectful" and something from which lessons could be learned.
When youre Rafa and Roger, you have these two phenomenal athletes that have shared history, theyve shared rivalry, theyve shared so much. [The letter] was just so respectful, and we can all take a lot from that a respectful, healthy working relationship that they had with each other and brought the best out in each other. Success breeds success and I have no doubt that those two, whilst they were playing their best tennis, made and pushed each other to their nth degree," Dellacqua added.
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With Federer and Nadal retired, Novak Djokovic remains the only active Big Three member.
