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
-
US OpenSerena Williams retirement: Greg Rusedski not discounting ‘box office’ Serena to retire on a high at US Open
Serena Williams to bow out on a high by winning the US Open?
-
NewsSerena Williams retirement: Tennis might never see such a remarkable icon ever again
The remarkable career of Serena Williams is drawing to a close.
-
WTA TourSerena Williams’ greatest milestones as she prepares to bid farewell: Open Era Grand Slam record, prize money
Serena Williams has had quite a career.
-
WTA TourSerena Williams confirms will retire after US Open, but doesn’t want any ‘ceremonial, final on-court moment’
Time to shed a tear or two, the great Serena Wiliams is to retire after the US Open.
-
WTA TourWATCH: Serena Williams wins superb rally, says she went into ‘mom mode’ after spotting daughter in the crowd
Serena Williams wins incredible shot after brilliant defensive work – and her daughter was there to see it.
-
ATP TourAlexander Zverev gives positive injury update, but withdraws from Cincy with US Open also in doubt
A fitness update from Alexander Zverev.
-
NewsLTA’s first pro padel event in Great Britain a major success as Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez win big
Congratulations to Tia Norton and Carla Fito Fernandez as well as Bram Meijer and Sten Richters.
-
Tennis NewsWATCH: Roger Federer keeps his promise to young fan in awe-inspiring video
If this video from Roger Federer and Zizou doesn’t make you smile today, then nothing will.
-
ATP TourDaniil Medvedev shrugs off playing under neutral flag: ‘I’m still Daniil Medvedev. I still want to win big titles’
Daniil Medvedev has moved on from the Wimbledon ban.
-
WTA TourLeylah Fernandez keeps her emotions in check to claim comeback win to say ‘thank you’ to family and friends
A first-ever Canadian Open win for Leylah Fernandez.