"Shall we do it again?": Rafael Nadal's Academy teases reunion with Roger Federer during look back at opening ceremony
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal's Academy recently reminisced on its opening ceremony in 2016, which was attended by Roger Federer, and teased a reunion between the two tennis legends.
Nadal and Federer are two of the greatest players in the sport's history, with 22 and 20 Grand Slam titles, respectively. Prior to the latter's retirement in September 2022, the two players had a long and thrilling rivalry in the sport that led to some epic battles, such as the 2008 Wimbledon final.
On October 19, 2016, the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar was opened in Mallorca, Spain. Nadal's uncle and longtime coach Toni is the director of the academy, which has produced tennis talents such as World No. 8 Casper Ruud in recent years.
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Federer was present at the opening ceremony seven years ago, where he had kind words for his fellow player and friend.
"Rafa, you’ve been the one that influenced and inspired me the most. I had to reinvent many things in my game thanks to you. I’m super happy to be here. I know where I’ll send my kids if they want to learn how to play tennis," he said.
This was a promise that the 42-year-old recently kept when he sent his twin sons to train there for a few weeks over the summer.
At the time of the inaugural ceremony, Nadal returned his friend's praise.
"It’s very important for all of us to have you here. You represent the values and example for kids at our Academy. Thank you, Roger, from the bottom of my heart to be here. For me it means everything," he said.
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Now, seven years later, the Academy reflected on the pair's meeting on social media.
"Each October 19th we enjoy looking at these and remembering a very special day for the @rafanadalacademy by Movistar. It's been 7 years already!" they wrote on Instagram, before hinting at a possible reunion between the two stars.
"Shall we do it again, @rafaelnadal & @rogerfederer?," they added.
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