Coco Gauff and Maria Sharapova make their feelings known on Roger Federer’s emotional farewell note for Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer shared a heartfelt note reflecting on his rivalry with Rafael Nadal ahead of the Spaniard’s farewell at the Davis Cup quarterfinals in Malaga, Spain. The Swiss legend’s message later prompted reactions from Maria Sharapova and Coco Gauff.
Nadal recently brought an end to his illustrious career after losing his singles match to Team Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 4-6, 4-6. This came nearly two years after Federer’s last dance at the 2022 Laver Cup.
Before the 14-time French Open champion’s farewell, his arch-rival Federer penned an emotional tribute to Nadal on Instagram. In the note, the 43-year-old humorously reminisced about his rival’s unique rituals that captivated the world.
Five-time Major champion Maria Sharapova and reigning WTA Finals champion Coco Gauff responded to the tribute in the comments. The Russian wrote:
Gauff expressed her emotions in the comments with an emotional emoji, and a heart emoji.
Although World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz leveled the score with a 7-6, 6-3 victory over Tallon Griekspoor, the Spanish team couldn’t provide Nadal with a fairytale ending. Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers lost the final doubles match to Wesley Koolhof and Botic van de Zandschulp, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (3), ending their nation’s Davis Cup campaign.
