But then in 2004 March, Federer was upset by a 17-year-old Nadal, who won 6-3 6-3 their Miami Open meeting. The following year, the former 20-time Grand Slam champion got his revenge by winning their second meeting that also came in Miami.

Although the relationship between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer appears to be peachy on the outside, the pair are far from being pen pals despite ditching their differences

Tennis legend Roger Federer wrote a heartfelt letter to Rafael Nadal on Tuesday before the Spanish star joins him in retirement. Nadal is participating in the Davis Cup in Malaga, Spain this week before saying goodbye to the sport he has played professionally since 2001.

Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal made him enjoy tennis even more during a rivalry that spanned 40 matches over 15 years.

Roger Federer's former coach Paul Annacone claimed that sports has never had a greater competitor than the retired Rafael Nadal.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's rivalry on the courts may now be behind them, but the pair appear to be a long way from being friends according to the Spanish King of Clay