Unmissable encounter between Nadal and Federer 1:07
(CNN)
-- When the end came, neither Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal could hold back their tears.
Perhaps it was the music that stirred the emotions, with British singer Ellie Goulding closing a memorable night in London, or perhaps it was the memories;
and there are many shared by these tennis greats that stand out.
When Nadal sat next to his friend and great rival at the O2 Arena on Friday night, they both wept.
The fans chanted Federer's name, the two hugged, and Federer received a final standing ovation.
There was no doubt that this was the Swiss's last professional match.
"For me, it has been a great honor to be part of this incredible moment in the history of our sport and, at the same time, it was many years sharing many things together," the Spaniard said of Federer, according to Reuters, after the pair lost. the Laver Cup doubles match against the American pair of Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe.
"With Roger's retirement, yes, an important part of my life also leaves, because all the moments in which he has been next to me or in front of me were important moments in my life. So it has been emotional (see) to the family, to see all the people. Yes, it's hard to describe. But, yes, an incredible moment."
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The attack of laughter between Federer and Nadal 1:00
Federer and Nadal met 40 times in one of the sport's greatest rivalries, with the most memorable match being the thrilling 2008 Wimbledon final, which Nadal won in the final set.
It is still considered one of the greatest tennis matches of all time.
Between the two they accumulate 42 grand slams (Federer 20 and Nadal 22).
However, despite the battles on the court they remain friends, and Federer chose Nadal to be his doubles partner during the tournament.
The partnership between the two was affectionately called "Fedal" by fans.
"I think every year the personal relationship improves," Nadal, 36, told reporters.
"I think we somehow understand that in the end we have a lot of similar things. We probably approach life in a similar way."
Roger Federer, a genius who made tennis look effortless
"On the pitch we have completely opposite styles, and that's probably what makes our matches and our rivalry one of the biggest and most interesting," he added.
"I am very proud to be a part of his career in some way. But I am even happier to end our career as friends after all that we shared on the pitch as rivals."
Federer, a former world number one and a player who will be remembered as one of the greatest champions in any sport, described his 25-year professional career as a "perfect journey".
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer of Team Europe look on during a training session on Center Court ahead of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 22, 2022 in London, England.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
"It feels like a celebration to me. I wanted to feel like that at the end and it's exactly what I was hoping for, so thank you," he said during an emotional on-court speech.
"It has been a perfect journey and I would do it all over again."
The 41-year-old Swiss tennis player also thanked his wife, Mirka, for her support: "Everyone is here, the boys and the girls. My wife has been very supportive. She could have stopped me a long, long time ago, but she didn't." Federer commented.
"She kept me going and allowed me to play, so that's awesome. Thank you."
Rafael Nadal Roger Federer