Federer's emotional letter to Rafael Nadal at the end of his career.

Rafael Nadal's final match before retirement begins today at the Davis Cup. His long-time rival and friend Roger Federer wrote an emotional letter to the Spaniard on social media.

Swiss Roger Federer and Spaniard Rafael Nadal have met on the tennis court a total of forty times. Both are among the best tennis players in history and have had many epic battles.

More than two years ago, Federer ended his great career in a doubles match with Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup. Even so, the two tennis legends were so emotional that they couldn't hold back their tears.

Both legends were reduced to tears during the Laver Cup.Image: trapezoid

It’s time for Rafael Nadal to play in the Davis Cup for the last time. The national team final will be held in Malaga this week. Espanyol will face the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

Ahead of the 22-time Grand Slam winner's final match, Federer took to social media and wrote a long and touching letter. Here, Federer thanked the Spaniard for his long friendship and competition.

Federer made his point clear at the beginning of the letter. In forty matches with Nadal, Federer walked off the court as a loser 24 times:

Federer also mentioned many different rituals practiced by the Spanish. For example, how he lined up his water bottles in formation among his soldiers, or how he straightened his hair and adjusted his underwear before going into service. The Swiss love everything about Nadal:

In the following letter, the “Master” tells a few anecdotes. For example, how he first met “Rafa” and how many people raved about the player from Mallorca who had immense talent and might one day win a Grand Slam. For Federer, what was happening around Nadal at the time was more than just hype.

Twenty years later, with the Spaniard nearing the end of his career, Federer can say he was impressed by Nadal's success:

Nadal has won 14 French Open titles.Image: trapezoid

The Swiss' last game was also mentioned again. For Federer, it means everything Nadal has with him on the court this time:

Federer ended the letter by writing: “Always the best for you, your fans” and his signature. Fans expressed their joy at Federer's contribution in the comments, as well as their gratitude for the time the pair have been through.

Nadal is preparing for his final match.Image: trapezoid

It's unclear when Nadal's final match will take place. Is it already Tuesday? In Sunday's semi-final or even the final? There's even doubt as to whether he'll be able to play. So are his backup days coming to an end? “If it doesn't make sense, then I will be the first to say it,” Nadal promised.

Spain coach David Ferrer will only announce his squad shortly before the quarter-finals. Until then, Spain will observe, analyze and speculate. Nowadays, every move of the outgoing superstar is scrutinized. Nadal takes the hype in stride. “This will not distract me. I am not here to resign, but to help the team,” he promised.

Nadal was hopeful, with a game or two left to go. “I prepared well,” he tells of a recent training day at his own academy in Mallorca, before getting a little sentimental: “I'm happy to be able to end a long and wonderful part of my life.” He said the 38-year-old . “You have to accept that everything has a beginning and an end.”

Although Nadal explained that there is no such thing as a perfect farewell, and that such an ending is only suitable for American movies, the final Davis Cup winner and him on the court were still very close to a Hollywood scene. The down-to-earth Nadal thinks so too: “This is a beautiful farewell for me and a joy for all of us.” (Ritz/SDA)

Croatia and Denmark were the last teams to advance to the Nations League quarter-finals. San Marino advanced by defeating Liechtenstein.

In the Swiss group stage, Denmark faced Serbia in a goalless draw in Leskovac and fell behind Spain to defend second place. This means Serbia must enter the relegation zone. Denmark will move on to the Nations League quarter-finals in March.