Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer reunited on Wednesday to open the Spaniard’s new academy in Mallorca.
Rafa gifted the Swiss with a special poster, commemorating their best moments on court together:
Dear Roger, thank you very much for your support at the official opening of my academy. Today is an unforgettable day for me, my family and my team. You cannot imagine how special it is to have you here with us. Roger, this reflects all the moments we had on the court. Looking back at them I see all the great memories we shared in our careers… To be continued…
Roger Federer said:
I’m super happy to be here. I know where I’ll send my kids if they want to learn how to play tennis.
Switzerland’s Roger Federer holds a gift given by Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the opening ceremony of the Rafa Nadal tennis academy in Manacor, Spain, October 19, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique Calvo
EFE/J. Grappelli
EFE/J. Grappelli
EFE/J. Grappelli
EFE/J. Grappelli
EFE/J. Grappelli
EFE/J. Grappelli
EFE/J. Grappelli
EFE/J. Grappelli
Switzerland’s Roger Federer reaches out his hand to Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the opening ceremony of the Rafa Nadal tennis academy in Manacor, Spain, October 19, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique Calvo
SwitzEFE/J. Grappellierland’s Roger Federer holds a gift given by Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the opening ceremony of the Rafa Nadal tennis academy in Manacor, Spain, October 19, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique Calvo
Switzerland’s Roger Federer talks to Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the opening ceremony of the Rafa Nadal tennis academy in Manacor, Spain, October 19, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique Calvo
Sources: Daily Mail, Baseline Tennis
Never again we are going to have in tennis the Federer/Nadal era. Undoubtely they have been the best rivalry in tennis of all times. We are going to miss those moments so much!!
Thank you both for the unforgettable spectacle you both gave us.
I wish you both all the best and I wish I could give you the same emotions you gave me. I love you both because I have been a fan of both of you!!!
Rafa and Roger have always captured the hearts of all their fans globally for their
sportsmanship, friendship and mutual respect,
What a beautiful way to officially open Rafa Nadal Academy with the two world-class
gentlemen of men’s tennis side by side. These photos of Rafa and Roger are so touching and moving on this very special occassion. What a joy to behold. Just splendid!
Rafa tú y Roger son los mejores de todos los tiempos su manera de jugar , su educación y comportamiento en la cancha son un ejemplo a seguir soy una abuelita que soy tu fan desde que tenias 16 años mi hija jugaba tenis y siempre la ponía a ver tus partidos. Tengo 3 nietos. Frida de 1 año 5 meses. Gerardo de 6 meses y LUCÍANA de 3 meses. Voy a ahorrar para mandarlos a tu academia. Eres lo mejor Rafa. Te fuimos a ver a NY vivimos en Chihuahua México LOS TORNEOS SIN TI O ROGER NO TIENEN IMPORTANCIA.
Best of luck Rafa for the academy and to both of you for next year. Thank you for all the fantastic tennis.
Love all the comments here. Rafa and Roger, you’re two of the best tennis players/sportsmen/gentlemen! Can’t wait to see you play against/with each other. Roger, pure grace. Rafa, pure passion.
So happy for Rafa.
Best of luck and may your family have a healthy, wonderful year ahead, and many, many more
Great men, all class
Good luck, Rafa with your academy! Hope to see many little feddies, little Rafa’s in the future playing tennis with all the values, professionals should have! We love you, stay healthy and for sure you’re not finished yet! Vamos campeon!!!!
This has been such an emotional day. Cannot describe in words what it means to me when they meet. All this respectful words they exchange and when they are laughing together… this makes me so happy and tearful. This guys have given me so much and Rafas words which are written on his present for Roger are so very touching. They sholud be a role model for all rivals, politicians, sportsmen, businessmen. The world would be a better place if everyone would act and speak with each other like those two legends of the game.
Thankful to live in this era and thankful that both are still playing tennis.
To be continued…
And forever in my heart!
greatness in one picture
best luck for the academy rafa
I´m so happy for this friendship! Very great good people both!
Your not wrong Susieq, when I hear commentator’s give some of the younger players excuses for their behaviour on court I’m baffled ,Rafa won his first grandslam at 19 and then for the next 9 years if that’s not pressure then I don’t know what is ,and I don’t think I have ever seen Rafa step out of line. I guess that is what makes him so special and endearing
Now here is a clear cut friendship that will last a whole lifetime. Two players who have had the most epic rivalry in tennis history with each other and yet they have become genuinely good friends and supporters of each other off the tennis court. I hope that us fans will witness many more matches between these 2 herculean men of the game.
Legends live forever. Vamos Rafa and Roger!!!!!!!!!
Real class! Some (no names…) of the ‘next generation’ could learn a lot from them, and I don’t mean tennis.
Two titans of the tennis world making a profound statement for mutual respect and camaraderie despite their past rivalry.
This is surely a happy day for Rafa as evidenced by his gleaming smile. Rafa and Roger on the same stage promoting the academy and their shared profession.
As popular as these two stars are, I hope they are allowed some private/quiet time if they wish to share/discuss any confidential matters privy only to each other.
RAFA AND ROGER ROCK
Can you image in years to come little mini Rafa’s, Rogers and Andy’s all at the academy , their children carrying on their great friendship . Wouldn’t that be a sight for sore eyes.
Such heartwarming words and photos, true gentlemen of the tennis world and the greatest players there’s ever been and ever will be, I’m sure of it.B y what Rafa’s has said it sounds like more academy’s could pop up in the future. I love the fact that he opened it in his home town and has stayed true to his roots. When asked about retirement Rafa said he couldn’t give an answer to a question he didn’t know himself,but at the present he is still enjoying playing and ready to fight to get ready for the new season.He also said he wasn’t worried about it and when it happens, it happen and he will know. I guess we can breathe a sigh of relief for awhile yet. I thought it was lovely of Roger to say that Rafa inspired him on how easy he made come backs after injuries look so easy and that he would be thinking about that when he starts again in January. Didn’t realise that this had been Rogers first major surgery ,gosh how lucky has he been.
RAFAEL EXTREMELY HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM. WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU HEALTHY.
LOVE YOU RAFAEL ALWAYS.💞💖💟💓💙💜💔💚💗💘❤😘😘😘😘
YOU AND ROGER ARE LOOKING EXTREMELY HANDSOME.
LOVE YOUR SWEET SMILE.😁😁😁😁😁😁😁
The best of the best. These are the glory days-let us enjoy them as long as possible. Rivalry, yet camaraderie, and, foremost, respect. ❤️
There are just no other words–they are just the best! Great players, great men, all class!