Thread by @shrutisonal26

I haven't gotten any sleep and been up all night, yet I cannot get over these pictures. They're the most heartbreaking yet beautiful images of male friendship, intimacy, vulnerability, and bonding that I've seen in sports. What has made #Fedal so special? 🧵

Roger told Rafa ten days before he told the rest of the world about the retirement. And he said it'd be special if they play alongside. Rafa, on the other hand, having just exited a Grand Slam, and dealing with injuries, made it to the tournament just to be with him.

It wasn't a fairytale ending. They had a match point, but lost the match. And then the tears flowed. Roger was inconsolable. But so was Rafa, sobbing uncontrollably. At one point, they held hands. At another, Roger's wife had to go console Rafa because he wouldn't stop bawling.

"With Roger, a part of my life is leaving", he later went on to say. I hope men seeing these images tell themselves that it's okay to be this way. And I hope we never forget that we were born in the era which was fortunate enough to witness this beautiful story.

Fedal's story. A story which has taught me more about life, love, loss, and joy than any other. Being a Rafa fan, I've wept in a lot of matches. I've also marvelled at him dominating against a man many considered indomitable. But mostly, I've loved the love they have for other.

The hugs after losses. The tears together. The tweets. And the one last dance, hand in hand.

#ThankYouRoger and thank you, Rafa, for being by his side on the toughest night of his life.

You made history together.

#RogerFederer #RafaelNadal

Also, Rafa's wife is about to give birth, was hospitalized a few days back, and he went to London for a day just to play Roger's farewell match with him...

Yeah, the tears won't stop for a few days.

#Fedal