By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, June 6, 2023

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal stood shoulder-to-shoulder as doubles companions within the Swiss celebrity's last match at Laver Cup final September.

The iconic champions shared hugs and tears in Federer's farewell on the O2 in London.

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The 41-year-old Federer has a easy want for Nadal: To exit on his personal phrases.

EXCLUSIVE: "I still hope we’ll see not just the doubles like I did, but more than that."@rogerfederer tells @chrissymacCNN that he hopes Rafael Nadal can overcome his accidents and retire "on his own terms" subsequent season. pic.twitter.com/pMF4UG92EJ

— CNN Sports (@cnnsport) July 5, 2023

"We know how lucky we have been and I think Rafa Nadal knows that too," Federer informed CNN. "Now I'm seeing him go through a difficult period, I've also been through it and I hope Rafa can finish his career as he wants and can continue playing a bit.

"I hope we do not see him play simply in doubles like I did, however greater than that, and I feel it should occur."

The 37-year-old Nadal continues his recovery from left hip surgery he underwent last month.

Nadal, who is facing about a five-month recovery, announced he aims to play a farewell season in 2024 and knows the career clock is ticking.

"I do not know what can occur sooner or later. As all people is aware of, I get previous," Nadal said with a wry smile in Turin last fall. "Even if I want to be in all places, I can not, I merely can not."

Since sharing a heartfelt hug and a good cry sitting side-by-side with Federer on the Team Europe bench, Nadal has had plenty of time to ponder his own exit strategy.

THIS. 🫶🥹 pic.twitter.com/H4SX9gaNJ0

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) September 24, 2022

Last fall, Nadal hinted he'd wish to signify Spain in another Davis Cup tie.

Citing his devotion to the worldwide group competitors, Nadal shared he would "love to say good-bye from that beautiful competition."

"Let's see if I'm able to play again the Davis Cup one day. I am not sure about it," Nadal informed the media in Turin. "Of course, in my mind, [I] would love to say good-bye from that beautiful competition playing. Let's see what can happen in the future."

Photo credit score: Laver Cup 

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