Roger Federer’s ‘shoutout’ to ‘incredible friend’ Rafael Nadal
“An incredible player, incredible friend, an incredible athlete” was how Roger Federer described Rafael Nadal at the Laureus Sports Awards.
Federer won the Comeback of the Year Award as well as the Sportsman of the Year gong on the back of his magnificent 2017 campaign.
After many predicted we had seen the end of the Swiss Maestro after a poor, injury-disrupted 2016 campaign, Federer went on to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon last year, two ATP Masters 1000 trophies and surged up the rankings.
Nadal was also in the running for the Sportsman of the Year trophy as he won the French and US Opens and reclaimed the world No 1 ranking.
Despite beating his old rival, Federer had nothing but praise for the Spaniard.
“To my rival Rafa, I wanted to just give a shoutout to him,” the 36-year-old said.
“He had an unbelievable year himself. We had a great battle and it’s because of a guy like him, I feel like I’ve become a better player as well.
“He could very well be here as well and standing here with this award. He’s an incredible player, incredible friend, an incredible athlete.”
Latest
-
NewsJamie Murray says quarantine threat on tour means players must be ready to adapt
The doubles specialist plans to travel to tournaments in Mexico and Miami next month without knowing what to expect on arrival.
-
Tennis NewsBattle of the Brits event is back and this time with spectators
The Battle of the Brits events were a huge success during the Covid-19 crisis and now they are set to return with spectators.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe only way is up for Naomi Osaka as she looks to replicate hard-court success on clay and grass
Oli Jefford on the world being Naomi Osaka’s oyster.
-
Kevin PalmerBritain’s strength in depth in doubles highlights quality of structure
British tennis may be wondering who can replace Andy Murray, but they have a very different story to tell in the doubles arena.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal pulls out of his next event due to ‘ongoing’ back problem
Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the ABN…
-
Tennis NewsLleyton Hewitt to be inducted into International Tennis Hall Of Fame
Former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt is the latest player who will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
-
Tennis FeaturesFive of the best men’s matches at the Australian Open featuring Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Rafael Nadal, and more
The matches that made us sit up and take note.
-
Australian OpenFive of the best women’s matches at Australian Open featuring Naomi Osaka vs Garbine Muguruza, and more
Five of the best women’s singles matches at the 2021 Aus Open.
-
WTA TourAshleigh Barty laments giving away control to Danielle Collins as she suffers defeat in Adelaide
Early exit for defending champion Ashleigh Barty.
-
Australian OpenToni Nadal believes the pressure got to Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final
Daniil Medvedev felt the heat.