The rivalry between?Rafael Nadal?and?Roger Federer is one of the most intense rivalries in tennis, probably in the history of individual sports. The two have faced each other many times, and their matches always promised great action. But unlike many archrivals in other sports, off the court, the two are great friends and share a great bond.
Over the years, fans got to witness several moments of endearing interactions between the two. It was the same case in the ongoing Laver Cup as Federer reacted in a heartwarming fashion to his best mate. During his on-court interview, Rafa popped up on the jumbotron and asked Federer about his favorite doubles partner. The Swiss Maestro pondered for a moment before he eventually gave his answer to the Spaniard.
Adorable moment between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal captures fans’ heart
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During his interview in the Laver Cup, Nadal surprised Federer as he popped up for a surprise question. Asking about his favorite doubles partner, Federer said that he was now in quite a pickle. He stated that he would usually answer that it was his wife, Mirka Federer. Before Mirka retired from professional tennis, Federer teamed up with her for his country in the Olympics.
But, unsurprisingly, since he had also played with Nadal in last year’s Laver Cup, he chose the ‘King of Clay’ as his favorite partner.?
Fedal 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/j7s8teMAqH
— Irina (@atpobsessed) September 23, 2023
After watching the interaction between the two stars, fans could not help but go crazy at the adorable Fedal moment.?
One fan was very glad that they woke up to witness the endearing moment between the two GOATs.
Aaaaaah waking up to this >>>>> https://t.co/RzJBL0VQkg
— Ilaria ❤️🩹🎾 (@IlariaSinHache) September 23, 2023
One user talked about the hilarity of the effort it took for Rafa to wink and joke with his former rival.
The eyebrows working as hard as Rafa's comedic timing 😂 https://t.co/mZPphfZQ3x
— Kafka's K (@Kavzi) September 23, 2023
A fan of the Fedal rivalry wrote a facetious comment about how they weren’t sad that the two weren’t playing but were happy getting to see their interaction.
So happy and not sad at all they’re not playing anymore. Really. I’m so fine. Loving this. https://t.co/bnnJedSS3q pic.twitter.com/T2EW1KVOQU
— Crash Bandicoot 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@ffs1230) September 23, 2023
Another fan of the two pointed out the bromance between the two players after they shared the top stage for quite a long time.?
#Fedal bromance @RafaelNadal👌❤❤👌#Forever 🥳😍😍🥳
Rivalry, Respect & Love should be like this only…..truly loving it! 👏💞💞👏 https://t.co/FLgLJMIge3
— Nitesh Nishu (Modi Ka Parivar) (@nitesh_nishu44) September 23, 2023
Another Fedal fan talked about how happy they were about getting to witness a good interaction between the two players.
FEDAL CRUMBS?? THAT’S A WHOLE DAMN BAKERY!!!! 😭😭😭 https://t.co/3QGx9WpNbC
— Hollie Wollie Doodle (@DoodleHollie) September 23, 2023
One fan pointed out the roar of the audience when Rafa appeared on the screen. Additionally, they also talked about how the two will rule the streets and how Novak Djokovic will rule the records.
That roar for rafa 🔥🔥 rafa and fed will have streets forever novak will have records 💯 https://t.co/V7JF1cuJAq
— Rupak Dewangan (@rupak_dewangan) September 23, 2023
This moment reminded one fan about the time a reporter asked what Rafa admired about Federer, and he replied by saying, “I don’t wanna come off as his boyfriend“.
Rafa, from this to winking and all!!! What is this!! 😂 https://t.co/Uag3qFM8Eu pic.twitter.com/vCdrfYAFxN
— Rafa Forever (@VamosRafa1908) September 23, 2023
One user focused more on the interaction and found it hilarious that he picked Nadal over Mirka.
@_JeuNadal bro picked Nadal over his wife https://t.co/AZeXEcgs4K
— 🦦. (@Dam0la_0) September 23, 2023
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The Swiss Maestro was goaded into picking Rafa as his favorite doubles partner, remembering their doubles match in the 2022 Laver Cup.
The doubles match of the two greats
Federer and Rafa have played one match together, which was the last match of the Swiss Maestro. The two played against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock and stepped on the court with every intention of beating their opponents. They played to the best of their abilities, but Tiafoe and Sock proved to be too much. Team World won that match in three sets after immense competition.
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After the match, they showed how close they were as they cried together and bid farewell to the 20-time Grand Slam champion. The rivalry between the two players ended when Federer retired from the sport. Now, the two have become close friends, and fans will get to witness the new bond between the two greats of tennis.
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