"So Rafa really came only for Roger, wow how f**king romantic that is" - Tennis fans react to Rafael Nadal withdrawing from Laver Cup following Federer's farewell

Fans who watched Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer cry their hearts out after their doubles match at the 2022 Laver Cup must have had a hard time controlling their own tears. It was such an iconic moment.

Last week, the Swiss legend announced that he would hang up his racquet after the ongoing exhibition event, marking an end to his 24-year-old glorious career, which started in 1998. Federer and Nadal lost to Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock 4-6, 7-6(2), 11-9, with Team Europe and Team World finishing with two points each at the end of Day 1.

After the match, the two iconic players sat next to each other on their bench and without looking at each other, cried non-stop. The second day's schedule was soon released and fans were disappointed after Rafael Nadal's name was nowhere to be found. Although the 22-time Grand Slam champion didn't make an official announcement, fans assumed that he had come just for Federer's last match.

While some lauded him for his decision towards the Swiss, others slammed him for bending the rules of the tournament.

"Rafa was not going to play this event. Remember his press conference after losing to Tiafoe. He said he'd leave and didn't know when he'll be back. Roger retiring changed everything. He came for him. But he clearly has no rhythm," a fan tweeted.

"I like the symbolism: they both cheat at Laver Cup, showing it is not a real tournament snd they fool fans who spent a lot of money hoping to see them both. Nice retirement party," a user wrote.

"Rafael Nadal really came to serve c*nt beside Roger one last time, destroyed everyone as he cried his heart out, and f*cked right back off to his little island, he’s an icon," another tweet read.

Here are a few more reactions:

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"This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me" - Virat Kohli on Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's weeping photograph

Roger Federer (L) and Virat Kohli

Following Roger Federer's last match yesterday, everyone expected him to get emotional, as he was calling it a day on his long and successful career. However, the world was overwhelmed to see Federer's biggest rival-cum-friend Rafael Nadal unable to hold back his tears sitting right next to him.

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli took to social media to share a photograph of the two tennis greats and stated that it was "the most beautiful picture ever" for him.

"Who thought rivals can feel like this towards each other. That’s the beauty of sport. This is the most beautiful sporting picture ever for me. When your companions cry for you, you know why you’ve been able to do with your god given talent. Nothing but respect for these 2," Kohli tweeted.

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