Federer sends lovely message to the 2020 graduating class of Rafa Nadal Academy

Federer surprises with a very nice message to the graduating class of the Rafa Nadal International School

Federer Nadal

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have been battling hard for the last 2 decades all over the world for the most important titles. The Swiss and the Spaniards have a lovely and extremely healthy relationship that went far beyond their rivalry.

Back in 2016, Roger was more than happy to participate in the opening of the Rafa Nadal Academy. On Tuesday he surprised the 2020 graduating class of Rafa Nadal International School with a heartfelt message. Unfortunately, this year the Rafa Nadal International School could not hold the traditional graduating ceremony because of the Coronavirus restriction and therefore the celebration had to be done online.

“Hello everybody at the Rafa Nadal Academy. Many congratulations to everybody who graduates today. All the very best for your future,” Federer said.

Then Roger discussed how important it is to be dedicated to the sport and to nurture a passion like it has been for him and Nadal.

“For those of you who go on to play professional tennis, you know what it takes – lot of perseverance and hard work but never forget to have fun. That’s what is most important and that’s what is similar to myself and Rafa. We have never lost passion for what we are doing every single day,” he added.

Federer is also very well aware that achieving your goals means going through some bumpy days. However, that is what makes success even sweeter to achieve.

“There are going to be rainy days, tough days. But there is always going to be a silver lining, there is always going to be the sun that comes back around. Just make sure you keep on working very hard,” said Roger.

Federer about being kind

Roger and Rafa are well-known for being extremely humble and kind to others despite their amazing success. Therefore, Roger ended his speech stressing how important it is to be kind in life.

“Always remember to be kind, kind to others,” Federer said. “You are only as strong as your team. I hope you go on to have a successful and wonderful career in whatever you may do, and you look back on the days at the Academy as some of the best days of your life. I just want to wish you all the very best,” he concluded.

Roger Federer in 2020

Roger Federer Stats info

Currently ranked no.4, Federer played his last match on the 30th of January when he lost to Novak Djokovic 7-61 6-4 6-3 in the semifinal of the Australian Open.

Roger Federer’s best performance of the current year was getting to the semi-finals at the Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal in 2020

Rafael Nadal Stats info

Ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 29th of February when he defeated Taylor Fritz 6-3 6-2 in the final in Acapulco to win his 85th career title.

Currently, this season Nadal has a 13-3 win-loss record. The Spaniard conquered 1 title in Acapulco.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played each other 40 times. The head to head is 24-16 for Nadal. The last time that they played, Roger Federer won 6-4 6-3 in the final in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) in October 2017.