Yet another legend of the sport is hanging up his racket. Rafa is someone I watched closely while growing up. He was always the player my friends at the tennis academy idolised, and I honestly lost count of how many times my opponents pumped themselves up with the characteristic “Vamos!” It was so deeply entrenched in my brain that even I started saying it - and, admittedly, I still do.

What Rafa stands for, however, isn’t just that he was my idol’s greatest rival. I’m a die-hard Roger fan, but to me, Rafa represents something I only came to appreciate after my teenage years. Call it hype for Roger, call it inexperience, or even immaturity, but as a teenager, I didn’t see it. I’ve always said it’s easy to follow someone you look up to, to admire their skills and imitate their traits - whether it’s Roger’s slice backhand, his flair, or even his unshakable calmness on court. But I think you learn even more from your opponent. Rafa showed me that sportsmanship is not just about the handshake at the net or that polite applause for an opponent’s winner. It’s about respect, resilience, and recognising greatness - even when it’s coming at your expense.

What made Rafa so unique was his ability to embrace competition and find strength in adversity. Watching him play, I realised that winning wasn’t always about dominating your opponent but about outlasting yourself - mentally, emotionally, and physically. I think there’s a lesson here that extends far beyond the court. In life, we all face rivals in some form - whether it’s a colleague (in some ways), a competitor, or even our own doubts and limitations. Rafa’s mentality teaches us that the goal isn’t just to “beat” the other person but to grow through the challenge they present. That’s why, even as I rooted for Roger to win those epic finals, I couldn’t help but admire the sheer grit Rafa brought to every point. His willingness to fight for every ball, regardless of the scoreboard, I think is something we can all take into our lives.

Beyond his triumphs, Rafa is leaving a legacy of impeccable conduct both on and off the court, inspiring young players and future generations to approach the game, and life, with humility, determination, and respect. His commitment to hard work and fair play has set a standard that goes far beyond his records, reminding us that greatness is defined as much by character as it is by achievement.

Rafa’s career has been a masterclass in resilience, grace, and passion. Now that he's retiring, I find myself reflecting not just on his contributions to tennis but on what we can learn from him as individuals. He’s shown us that rivalry can coexist with respect, and that competition, at its best, elevates everyone involved. For me, as a Federer fan, Rafa was the ultimate opponent - and in many ways, the ultimate teacher.

Rafa para siempre 💪🏼