via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe walk to embrace each other at the end of the match during the doubles match between Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe walk to embrace each other at the end of the match during the doubles match between Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on September 23, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup)
Iconic pictures are always in demand, irrespective of the price tag. Fans are often willing to break the bank in order to get their hands on the prized picture. The one behind the lenses plays a significant role in turning an iconic moment into an iconic photograph. When it comes to tennis, Antoine Couvercelle is one of the best in the business. He has been a tennis photographer since 2000 and captured several memorable moments on and off the court. Lucky are those who get to capture the best of the moments in sports. However, Antoine Couvercelle has been lucky enough to capture two of the most iconic moments in tennis history, both involving the greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, the renowned tennis photographer spilled the beans on some of the most iconic pictures he has clicked of ‘Fedal’ over the years.
Iconic Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal moments captured by the photographer
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Antoine Couvercelle has captured plenty of moments in his 23-year-long career but there are two standout pictures. He first talks about the one he captured at Wimbledon in 2019. It was also the last time Federer and Nadal played against each other and it resulted in a four-set victory for the Swiss Maestro.
Couvercelle said, “I sold a lot from my famous picture with Roger and Rafa walking to the centre court at Wimbledon. But it was not the most expensive one but my favorite one, I’d say.”
However, the most expensive moment captured by the photographer is a pretty recent memory. He said, “The one that I sold highest was when Roger and Rafa were holding hands at the Laver Cup. Little more than 3000 Euros.” It was right after Federer’s last professional match when he paired up with long-time rival Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup.
via Reuters
Tennis – Laver Cup – 02 Arena, London, Britain – September 23, 2022 Team Europe’s Roger Federer with Rafael Nadal at the end of his last match after announcing his retirement Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
It is quite fitting that two of the greatest players of all time feature in the best collection of the photographer. It isn’t a surprise that the most memorable moment from Federer’s last tournament sold for the highest price. Considering how Nadal reacted to his archrival’s retirement, it is no wonder the fans were clamoring to get a hold of the picture.
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One of the rarest moments in tennis: Nadal shedding tears on the tennis court
Roger Federer’s retirement was a hard pill to swallow for the tennis fraternity. However, it was a harder pill to swallow for arch-rival Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard had a close relationship with the Swiss Maestro right from his early playing days in 2005.
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When Federer picked up the racket for one last time, Nadal was by his side as the doubles teammate. After the match, Nadal’s emotions got the better of him as the tears came rolling down. It was one of the most emotional moments for every sports fan around the world.
WATCH THIS STORY: ‘Rafa Is Usually the Grabber, Not the Grabbie’- Spanish Tennis Veteran’s Adorable Rafael Nadal ‘B*TT’ Tale Sparks Hilarious Reactions From Fans
