Rafa Nadal moment with Roger Federer's family comes to light

The tennis world may have erupted over Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal's moment together following his final match, but photos have emerged of the beautiful moment the Spaniard greeted Federer's family.

Federer was unable to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with one final victory at the Laver Cup, after he and Nadal suffered defeat at the hands of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock.

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Plenty was made of Federer teaming up with his friend, and greatest rival, for his final ever match.

And to mirror why the sporting world grew enamoured with the pair's rivalry over the years, the duo were seen grabbing hands and tearing up as Federer watched his farewell video only moments after the match.

Federer's family then joined him on court as wife Mirka and his children hugged their father.

However after the celebration, a video from a crowd member showed Nadal in the stands embracing Federer's family after the emotional farewell.

Federer then puts his hands around Nadal as they walk down the tunnel together one last time.

The image encapsulates why the tennis world grew to love Federer and Nadal as they battled it out 40 times and won a combined 42 grand slam titles.

Nadal admitted after the emotional tribute that Federer's retirement marked a pivotal moment in his own career after so long together on tour.

“For me, have been huge honour to be a part of this amazing moment of the history of our sport, and at the same time a lot of years sharing a lot of things together,” Nadal said after their Laver Cup match.

“When Roger leaves the tour, an important part of my life is leaving too because all the moments that he have been next or in front me in important moments of my life.

“So have been emotional see the family, see all the people. Yeah, difficult to describe. But, yeah, amazing moment.”

Nadal admitted it was emotional seeing Federer's family during the farewell event.

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The loss marked the final match of Federer's storied career after he announced last week that he'd be retiring after the event at the O2 Arena in London.

The Swiss legend couldn't hold back his emotions as he thanked fans in attendance at the O2 Arena.

However there were staggering scenes when Nadal also burst into tears while sitting alongside Federer.

The Spanish champion appeared to feel the full weight of the emotional scenes as he wept into his hands while Federer farewelled the sport that has given him so much.

"It's been a perfect journey," Federer said as he again cried during an on-court interview.

"I would do it all over again. It's been a wonderful day. I told the guys I'm happy, not sad.

"I am so happy I made it through. The match was great and it's been wonderful.

"Having Rafa here and all the legends - Rocket (Rod Laver), Stefan Edberg - thank you."

with AAP

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