One of the most interesting aspects of the recent Laver Cup was seeing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal competing together. The Swiss and the Mallorcan have been “enemies” on court for long, but during the recent years, they have managed to create a rather special bond.
Roger graced the inauguration of Rafa’s tennis academy last year when many were ready to consider both players as semi-retired. The two tennis legends surprised the tennis world after few months when they reached the final of the Australian Open, and eventually, the shared the 2017 slams with Federer winning Melbourne and Wimbledon, and Nadal conquering the Roland Garros and the US Open.
Why Rafa is special for Roger
After the Laver Cup, Federer commented
“At the beginning, he was very shy and respectful with other top 10 players, and especially because I was No. 1. Then as the time went on his personality increased and he started playing his chances. It was interesting to see him growing up until that he became the Champion he is today.
We had hard and painful battles on court, issues as well, but there was always an enormous respect between us. We shared many strong moments on court and off court in a very friendly way. As soon as we grew up, I realized how much Rafa was important in my career.
He will forever be my ultimate opponent. He was the one who helped me to improve the most and to be a better player. And at the same time, I say if he didn’t exist, I would not have won so much. Rafa’s presence was an extra motivation.”
This is what tennis should be.
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