The iconic on-court rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal and their sweet camaraderie off the court have captivated the tennis world for decades. Despite the Swiss Maestro’s retirement, the mutual respect and admiration they share remain exceptional. Recently, their bond was celebrated in a remarkable way with the display of a special possession in Mallorca, making this moment truly ‘iconic’ for tennis fans everywhere.

In a video shared by the Rafael Nadal Academy, the tennis community can witness the display of a special possession of Roger Federer. It is nothing but the display of the tennis gear which the Swiss Maestro wore in the 2008 Wimbledon. Interestingly, the attire has found a place for itself in Rafael Nadal’s eponymous Museum in Spain. Sharing the video, the academy captioned it, “ICONIC.” Interestingly, the 2008 Wimbledon was all about the rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

In the finals of the 2008 Wimbledon, the 5-times defending champion Roger Federer witnessed a baffling defeat at the hands of Rafa. In one of the most comprehensive matches of tennis history, the Spaniard defeated the Swiss legend, 6–4, 6–4, 6–7(5–7), 6–7(8–10), 9–7, in a thrilling 5-set encounter. It was also special for Nadal as it was his fifth major title, but his first outside of the French Open. This honorable memorabilia comes just days after Federer reflected on the iconic match.

While delivering a graduation speech at Dartmouth College in the United States, the Swiss legend claimed that Rafa was maybe ‘hungrier’ than him. “Looking back, I feel like I lost at the very first point of the match,” the 42-year-old said. “I looked across the net and I saw a guy who just a few weeks earlier had crushed me in straight sets at the French Open and I thought this guy is maybe hungrier than I am and he’s finally got my number.” Meanwhile, Roger Federer’s name is on yet another impressive list!

Hall of Fame’s multimillion project to feature Roger Federer’s hologram

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is launching a multimillion-dollar museum upgradation project on the historic property in Newport, Rhode Island. This will be the first museum renovation the Hall of Fame has undertaken since 2015. Meanwhile, the museum will also feature a unique Roger Federer element. 

In one of the key inclusions at the museum, The Roger Federer Hologram will be a new immersive experience to be presented by Rolex. The CEO of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Dan Faber also revealed that this project is iconic for tennis fans across the globe. “We want to preserve what’s already out there with the incredible history of tennis but to prepare for global eyes to be a part of this in Newport.”

Well, it will be interesting to see if Roger Federer once again makes a surprise visit to the Wimbledon, his favorite surface.