Roger Federer, being the gentleman he is, put past their famed on-court rivalry and accepted Rafael Nadal’s invite to launch the 9-time French Open champion’s tennis academy in Spain.
It was a heart-warming gesture as the Swiss master joined the 30-year-old Nadal to open his academy in Majorca.
“I'm really here to honour the great man, Rafa. I think it's wonderful that he's taken this journey on to give the kids something back,” ATP quoted Federer as saying.
“I've been around the game 17 years. I've seen a lot of hard workers and inspiring players, but you've been the one in my opinion who has been the most inspiring and most influential and made me the player I am today. Because you're left-handed, because of your spin, because of the intensity you bring to the court, I had to re-invent and re-work my game entirely. And that's because of the person you are and how much you've trained,” Federer added.
The duo then took to social media to talk of the launch.
“Joined @RafaelNadal at the opening of his Academy. We'll share a lifetime of memories from the court. Wouldn't miss this one off the court#, Federer tweeted with pictures from the event.
A gratitude-filled Nadal then thanked the 19-time Grand Slam champion on Twitter: “Thanks @RogerFederer for helping us with the inauguration of the @RNadalAcademy! A pleasure to have your support!!”
Federer and Nadal have played 34 times. The left-hander leads their rivalry 23-11 and has won five of the their past six matches.
The Rafa Nadal Academy includes 26 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, a fitness centre, two swimming pools, mini-football pitches, a multi-sport court and seven paddle tennis courts.
