Roger Federer has sent a classy message to Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard confirmed he was retiring from tennis.
The 38-year-old, who won a staggering 22 Grand Slam titles throughout his career, confirmed the news in an emotional video uploaded to his social media accounts on Thursday.
Nadal will play the Davis Cup in Spain next month before walking away from a sport where he's written his name into the stuff of legend.
His rivalry with Federer was particularly enchanting, with the pair facing off a huge 40 times.
Roger Federer has sent a classy message to Rafael Nadal after the Spaniard confirmed he was retiring from tennis
PA
And Federer has now paid tribute to Nadal.
Writing on social media, the Swiss legend said: "What a career, Rafa! I always hoped this day would never come.
"Thank you for the unforgettable memories and all your incredible achievements in the game we love. It's been an absolute honour."
Nadal and Federer first did battle in a Grand Slam final in 2006.
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Federer was world No 1 at the time, with many tipping Nadal to be his heir.
And the Spaniard laid down a marker for their blockbuster rivalry with a powerful 1-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4) at the French Open.
After that encounter, they would keep on meeting in Grand Slam finals.
Federer beat Nadal in the final of Wimbledon in 2006, with his rival then getting the better of him at the 2007 French Open.
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Federer beat Nadal to win Wimbledon that same year but, in 2008, the 43-year-old's era of dominance appeared to be ending.
Not only did Nadal beat the tennis icon at the French Open - he also bested him in an epic Wimbledon final that many consider to be the best ever.
At the start of 2009, Federer was reduced to tears after his nemesis overcame him in another classic at the Australian Open.
After that, they would lock horns in a Grand Slam final on just two more occasions.
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Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played out one of the best tennis matches of all time during the 2008 Wimbledon final
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Nadal beat Federer at Roland Garros in 2011.
And Federer bested his old friend at the 2017 Australian Open, which would be his last Grand Slam title.
Other tennis players have paid tribute to Nadal after his remarkable career.
American star Coco Gauff wrote: "You are amazing! It's been so incredible to witness your greatness and work ethic and be able to learn from it.
Roger Federer was reduced to tears after losing to Rafael Nadal in the final of the Australian Open in 2009
GETTY
"Wishing you all the best in your next chapter."
Robert Bautista Agut, who will play alongside Nadal at the Davis Cup finals next month, said: "A thousand thanks to you, Rafa! Thanks for everything. Congratulations on such a brilliant career! Let's go for the best ending in Malaga."
And Nick Kyrgios said: "We had our differences but you were one hell of a warrior. Best wishes and good luck with whatever comes next."
