The 14-time Roland Garros champion - who is known as 'The King of Clay' - is bidding a fond farewell to tennis after he represented his country Spain for over 20 years, and ahead of his retirement, Federer admitted 38-year-old Nadal made him "reimagine [his] game".

The 43-year-old tennis star wrote in a lengthy statement on X: "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 game—even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge."

Nadal - who claimed 22 Grand Slam wins across his tennis career - played doubles with the eight-time Wimbledon champion in his last match at the London Laver Cup in 2022.

Recalling that emotional moment, Federer said: "And then there was London — the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match.

"It meant everything to me that you were there by my side — not as my rival but as my doubles partner.

"Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career."

Nadal is set to grace the courts one last time at the Davis Cup today (19.11.24) in Malaga, Spain before he ends his professional tennis career for good.

Ending his lengthy tribute ahead of his former rival's retirement, Federer penned: "Rafa, I know you’re focused on the last stretch of your epic career.

"We will talk when it’s done. For now, I just want to congratulate your family and team, who all played a massive role in your success.

"And I want you to know that your old friend is always cheering for you, and will be cheering just as loud for everything you do next."