Former world No. 9 Andrea Petkovic says it is impressive how Rafael Nadal managed to go from someone fans didn't like very much early on because he was a major challenge to Roger Federer to also becoming a fan favorite.
After the legendary Swiss became a Grand Slam champion at 2003 Wimbledon and also lifted the 2004 Australian Open to reach the world No. 1 spot, it didn't take long before pretty much everyone started rooting for him due to elegant game-style but also classy demeanor.
But then in 2004 March, Federer was upset by a 17-year-old Nadal, who won 6-3 6-3 their Miami Open meeting. The following year, the former 20-time Grand Slam champion got his revenge by winning their second meeting that also came in Miami.
While the Spaniard was widely regarded as one of the most talented and promising players in the game, no one was ready for him to win five consecutive meetings against the Swiss between mid-2005 to mid-2006.
But as Nadal established himself as a top player and and it became clear that he and Federer were primed for a historic rivalry, fans also fell in love with his humble personality but also his game and competitive spirit.
Ultimately, both became two of the biggest ambassadors in tennis history and players that were probably equally loved by fans.
"Nowadays, people forget how much adversity Rafa faced from audiences. People loved (Roger) and could not fathom a challenger as dangerous as this boy from Manacor whose whipped forehand opened the tennis court in ways thought geometrically impossible. Rafael Nadal stuck with it. He did his thing, kept winning, kept beating (Roger), kept beating him with grace and humility in his heart," 2014 French Open semifinalist Petkovic wrote on her Substack.
"And slowly, they began to like him (Rafa), increasingly they warmed to him, in the end: they loved him. Passionately. For his decency and his broken English, for the random music video where he makes out with Shakira and his humor that started to shine through once his English improved. Most of all, they loved him for his fighting spirit on court. First, he won titles; then he won the hearts of the people that were so ready to hate him."
Federer sent out a touching retirement letter to Nadal
Earlier this week, the 22-time Grand Slam champion concluded his career by representing Spain one last time at the Davis Cup Finals.
To no one's surprise, one of the names to pay him tribute was his biggest rival - and it was one of the best messages that he received.
During his career, Federer won just 16 of his 40 meetings against Nadal. Also, the Spaniard was the biggest reason why his first French Open title didn't come until 2009.
"Lets start with the obvious: you beat mea 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. You made me reimagine my gameeven going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge," the record eight-time Wimbledon champion wrote in his letter.
In his message, Federer also told the 38-year-old that "you made me enjoy the game more."
"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," the Swiss added.
"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."
After deciding to retire at the 2022 Laver Cup, Federer's wish was to team up with Nadal for his last match. And after giving the Spaniard a call, he learned that his wish would be granted. After it was all over, both became very emotional - held hands - as the Swiss had a memorable farewell.
In the letter, Federer highlighted that he will never forget that and also added to Nadal that he will root for him whatever he does next.
