Federer on Nadal: "In 2004, I thought I was on top of the world, until you came along two months later".

Roger Federer has issued a statement paying tribute to Rafael Nadal, who will retire at the end of the Davis Cup this week.

The Swiss remembers: "Let's start with the obvious: you beat me, many times. More times than I've beaten you.

On clay, I felt like I was stepping into your garden, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could.

You made me re-imagine my game, even going so far as to change the size of my racket head, in the hope of finding an edge.

And you know what, Rafa, you made me love this sport even more. But not right away. After the Australian Open in 2004, I became world number 1 for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world.

Until two months later, when you arrived in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off your biceps, and beat me brilliantly.

All the buzz I'd heard about you, a generational talent, who was undoubtedly going to win a major tournament one day, wasn't just talk."