‘A Secret Thank You’ – Roger Federer Reveals Why He Ended Up Holding Hands With Rafael Nadal While Ellie Goulding Sung at the Laver Cup

Last week, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s emotional picture at the Laver Cup caught the internet by storm. The duo had an emotional outburst after their doubles match as it was Federer’s last match of his illustrious career. As tears rolled down their eyes, the Swiss maestro held Nadal’s hand.

Recently, the 20-time Grand Slam champion revealed the story behind holding Nadal’s hand.

Roger Federer acknowledges Rafael Nadal

During an interview, the Swiss legend talked about his iconic picture with Nadal. He said, “I think at one point, I was sobbing so hard, and I don’t know, everything was going through my mind about how happy I am to actually experience this moment right there with everybody.”

Further, he added, “And I think that’s what was so beautiful about just sitting there, taking it all in while the music was playing, and the focus was maybe more on her [the singer Ellie Goulding]. So, you almost forgot that you’re still being taken pictures of.” 

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Talking about expressing gratitude to Nadal, Federer said, “I guess at one point, just because obviously I couldn’t speak and the music was there, I guess I just touched him, and I guess it’s maybe a secret thank you.”

Djokovic admits Rafael Nadal to be his greatest rival

During an interview recently, the 21-time Grand Slam champion revealed that Nadal was his greatest rival even now despite other players in front of him in the ATP rankings. The two have played against each other on 59 occasions, with the Serb having a slightly superior head-to-head record of 30-29 against Nadal.

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Djokovic is currently participating at the Tel Aviv Watergen Open in Israel. He is the top seed at the tournament and one of the strong favorites to win the title in Israel. Later today, he will take on Pablo Andujar of Spain in the second round.