Roger Federer says Rafael Nadal "made the whole tennis world proud" during his "epic career" before the Spaniard's retirement.

Roger Federer paid tribute to his retiring rival Rafa Nadal on Tuesday, telling the Spaniard he challenged him like no other player and that he had made the tennis world proud during a glittering career lasting over two decades.

Roger Federer has paid tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of the Spaniard’s retirement from tennis, revealing their rivalry made him “enjoy the game even more”. Nadal’s career comes to an end this week at the Davis Cup, where he will represent Spain for the final time as he looks to go out on a high.