Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal recall their first meeting

Switzerland’s tennis star Roger Federer and Spain’s Rafael Nadal recalled their first meeting in an interesting conversation. The two are often regarded as two of the best players in the history of men’s tennis in the Open era, having won as many as 20 and 22 Grand Slam titles in their respective careers.

While Federer retired in 2022, Nadal, who has struggled with injury concerns over the last few years, announced in 2023 that the 2024 season would be his last at the highest level. Both Federer and Nadal were recently quoted in a report in which they recalled their first meeting in an interesting conversation in which the Spaniard said that Switzerland’s legendary tennis star was a ‘bit arrogant’.

"I do remember, probably not him," said Nadal about the meeting. ."I don’t," confirmed Federer. "When you won your first Wimbledon, which year," Nadal wondered. "2003... Was I nice to you or...," asked Federer. "You were a little bit arrogant," was the response of Nadal who further went on to state: "No honestly, you were super nice. I was just arriving on the tour, and a junior, so I was super shy to talk to you. But you were very nice.”