"Thank you for your amazing help" - Rafael Nadal's academy recalls Roger Federer's iconic message & gift 3 years after historic Cape Town match

Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy recently reminisced about one of the biggest 2020 tennis highlights - the Spaniard’s trip to Cape Town alongside Roger Federer.

The rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer is unarguably one of the most iconic that tennis has ever seen. Apart from their individual accomplishments, the legendary duo’s jaw-dropping performances when competing against each other will remain etched in the minds of tennis fans forever.

On the official tour, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer came face-to-face an incredible 40 times throughout their illustrious careers. The legendary rivalry, however, saw its end when the Swiss legend retired in 2022.

Unknowingly, the two tennis superstars played their 40th and final official clash in the semifinals of the 2019 Wimbledon, where Federer prevailed in four sets.

However, the Swiss and Spanish duo hadn’t seen the last of each other on opposite sides of the court just yet. On February 7, 2020, the former World No. 1s came together for a charity exhibition in Cape Town, and played a tennis match that will go down in history for its record-breaking crowd of almost 52,000.

The event was organized as part of the Roger Federer Foundation’s "Match for Africa" initiative. Held at the Cape Town Stadium, originally built for the 2010 soccer World Cup, the event also saw Federer teaming up with Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Nadal partnering with world-renowned South African comedian Trevor Noah for a doubles contest.

Three years later, the Rafa Nadal Academy revisited the historic event, fondly remembering the Swiss Maestro’s kind gesture towards the Spaniard after the conclusion of the match. Nadal received a signed racquet from his arch-rival, which expressed Federer's gratitude for his help in making the Cape Town exhibition a grand success.

“3 years ago … Rafa & Roger played in Cape Town in front of over 50,000 people. And Roger Federer gave his racquet to Rafael Nadal!” the academy's social media page said.

“Thank you for your amazing help,” the Swiss had written on the special gift.

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"In his mind he is not retiring for now" - Rafael Nadal’s uncle Toni speaks out on retirement speculation in the wake of Roger Federer’s retirement

The Spaniard with his uncle at 2017 French Open

Roger Federer's swansong at the 2022 Laver Cup was a dream doubles match alongside arch-rival Rafael Nadal. But the emotional event was soon followed by speculation of Nadal's own retirement. Many fans have been wondering if the 14-time French Open champion will hang up his racquet in 2023 given the birth of his son coupled with his recurring injuries in recent months.

The 36-year-old’s uncle and former coach Toni, however, recently stated that his nephew was not thinking about retiring at the moment. At the same time, he also conveyed that his decision might depend on the doctor’s advice about his injuries.

"In his mind he is not retiring for now. Another thing is what the doctors say or that he has more pain than he touches," the former coach said. "The moment is still good and if he is fit, he will continue."