As a golden tennis era transitions into its next guise, when, how, and why to retire is one of the biggest questions in the sport.

Roger Federer ’s former coach has shared his surprise at Rafael Nadal ’s retirement announcement. The Spaniard recently confirmed that he will end his wildly successful career at next month’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga. While Ivan Ljubicic was shocked by his decision, Federer’s old mentor shared his wish to see Nadal get a fitting send-off.

PARIS – It was a day the tennis world has been dreading, and on Oct 10, when 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal announced his retirement, it was his great rival Roger Federer who led the tributes to his fellow legend.