Tennis fans have come forward and unanimously backed a photograph featuring Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer from the 2022 Laver Cup to be put in a museum.
The two stars belong to an elite category of not just the greatest players of all time, but also the most popular among fans around the world. No matter where they go, people shower their love on the Spaniard and the Swiss maestro.
However, it’s a treat on a different level for the onlookers when the two players come together and play alongside each other. Despite being each other’s biggest rivals, they have maintained a strong friendship over the last two decades. Some of their best moments together have come at the three editions of the Laver Cup and numerous other charity events.
Twenty-time Grand Slam champion Federer played his last professional match at the 2022 Laver Cup, where he teamed up with Nadal. Although Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock beat the pair, the image of them sitting together in tears during the Swiss legend’s farewell ceremony moved the entire tennis world.
In another photograph from the same night, the two legends can be seen walking through the hallway of the locker room before their match. Eurosport recently shared the photograph on social media, suggesting that the iconic frame needs to be put in a museum.
“This belongs in a museum,” Eurosport tweeted.
This belongs in a museum 🤩 pic.twitter.com/CP2Xcrp1pm
— Eurosport (@eurosport) February 16, 2023
Fans were quick to agree, and the photograph reminded them of all the on-court battles they have had in their careers. A few remarked that people had no idea how lucky they were to witness the duo.
“I miss this. I miss seeing them play every week. Tennis isn’t the same and I don’t think we’ll witness something like this ever again,” a fan tweeted.
I miss this. I miss seeing them play every week 💔 tennis isn’t the same and i don’t think we’ll witness something like this ever again… https://t.co/C8Lc62hUS0
— Omnni (@omnii88) February 16, 2023
“This literally defines their rivalry. Roger so calm and cool and Rafa so intent and ferocious. Lol,” a user wrote.
This literally defines their rivalry. Roger so calm and cool and Rafa so intent and ferocious. Lol.
— li moh (@li_mohap) February 17, 2023
“One day, we’ll look back on watching games between these two legends, and think how lucky we were,” another tweet read.
One day, we’ll look back on watching games between these two legends, and think how lucky we were.😔🎾
— TennisFighters (@fighters_tennis) February 17, 2023
Here are a few more reactions:
@RafaelNadal looking buff and @rogerfederer is all charm.
Fyi Nadal fan all the way but Federer is indispensable and Fedal is 💕 https://t.co/xtqsAjWoFl— Harry Notter (@uditryan) February 16, 2023
Roger is so calm and cool.. Rafa is all business even while taking a walk in the hallway🤣
— RS 🩸 (@bldg608) February 17, 2023
Museum of greatness and class I propose 😀 https://t.co/ke1eKESQMD
— Anmol Arora (@wordsbyanmol) February 17, 2023
What blockbuster movie is this?😃
— Ricardo Rundervoort (@Ringmeister2010) February 17, 2023
So much aura and positivity from these two!
— BiLateral (@Bi08101657) February 16, 2023
Hang it nowww
— Mo Mpiira (@reezi02) February 17, 2023
Determination. Concentration. Commitment. Preparation. Readiness. Eagerness. Discipline. Conviction. https://t.co/lTuChVjTXg
— Jose A. Alvarez (@JAADodero) February 17, 2023
A look back at Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s rivalry
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have faced each other as many as 40 times on the tour, with the former leading 24-16 in the head-to-head. As far as Grand Slam tournaments are concerned, the Spaniard won 10 of their 14 clashes. Interestingly, the two icons never met at the US Open.
While Federer was the first to reach 20 Majors, his 36-year-old rival didn’t just catch him but surpassed him as he sits at the top of the table with 22 titles alongside Novak Djokovic.