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Federer pays tribute to Nadal for 'epic career'

Related Topics: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal

Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal "made the whole tennis world proud" during his "epic career" as he paid tribute to his former rival before his retirement.

Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, will bring an end to his illustrious career aged 38 after representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga this week.

Federer, who retired in 2022 with 20 Grand Slams, won 16 matches and lost 24 - including an epic final at Wimbledon in 2008 - in the 40 times he faced Nadal.

"As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I've got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional," wrote 43-year-old Federer on Instagram.