Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during the Laver Cup in 2019. -

Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP

“Well done Rafa, you deserve it”.

Roger Federer was to be expected, he was joined in the number of Grand Slam titles by Rafael Nadal, this Sunday.

And he hastened to congratulate him.

Just minutes after the 13th Roland-Garros won by the Spaniard, which brings his total to 20 major titles, RodGER sent a nice message to his rival and nevertheless friend.

“I have always had the greatest respect for my friend Rafa as a person and as a champion.

By being my biggest rival for all these years, I believe we both pushed each other to be better players, wrote the Swiss.

It is a real honor for me to congratulate him on his twentieth Grand Slam victory.

I hope this number 20 is just a step in our journey together.

"

pic.twitter.com/TzQhBeuwML

- Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) October 11, 2020

Asked about this message at a press conference, Rafael Nadal, who had not yet seen it, recalled all the respect he has for Federer.

“Thank you Roger for this message.

As everyone knows, we have a great relationship.

We respect each other a lot.

It means a lot to me to have such a good relationship with him.

"

Regarding the 20 Grand Slam titles, and the record race that drives the two players, with Novak Djokovic not far (18 titles), Nadal said he was proud to join the brand established by the Swiss.

He is not obsessed with it, but is well aware that it is the history of tennis that is written there.

Behind the Nadal-Djoko final, the fight for the Grand Slam record via @ 20minutesSport https://t.co/ivfCPQjcR1

- 20 Minutes Sport (@ 20minutesSport) October 11, 2020

“I have never hidden that I would love to end my career being the player who has won the most Grand Slams, although I will not always think of Novak or Roger.

I'm on my way, Rafa said.

This record is important, it means a lot to share it with Roger.

We've had this incredible rivalry for so long… We'll see when we finish our careers.

We both continue to play and that makes me happy.

"

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  • Roger Federer

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  • Rafael Nadal

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