Kim Clijsters hails Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for their iconic friendship, justifies why it will last a lifetime


Kim Clijsters hails Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer for their iconic friendship, justifies why it will last a lifetime

Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Kim Clijsters

Tennis icons Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are unarguably the two most popular players in the world, boasting a massive following on their social media handles. Both these players have dominated the realm of tennis for decades, thanks to their impressive styles and passion for the sport. They were fearless rivals on the court, giving their fans and viewers some of the most iconic and breathtaking on-court rivalry moments in head-to-head clashes. They are to be cherished forever.

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However, off the court, they have been great friends. They maintained their friendship through highs and lows, failures, and upheavals in their respective careers. Both Federer and Nadal have immense respect for each other and been congratulatory during the most important moments in their career, professional, as well as personal. That’s precisely why the tennis community hails their iconic better-sweet on-court rivalry and friendship which extends beyond it.

Many people are inspired by the duo’s friendship and sportsmanship and former World No.1 Kim Clijsters is one of them. In a recent podcast from French sports website welovetennis.fr, Kim Clijsters briefly talked about the special bond between Roger Feder and Rafael Nadal and why their friendship will last forever.

“For me, the friendship between Rafa and Roger will last a lifetime. They have such great families, their parents are amazing, and their teams are so respectful. I still think a lot of respect for the opponent comes from that, from the background, from how you’re brought up. There were definitely times [in their careers] when they were frustrated with each other, but as you get older you realize how impressive what they went through is,” she said.

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Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer teamed as a doubles pair for Team Europe against Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock of Team World in the 2022 Laver Cup. This was and is one of the most emotional nights that the world has witnessed as the Swiss legend retired after the match.

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Rafael Nadal plays in front of 30,000 tennis fans in Mexico

Rafael Nadal played an exhibition match in Mexico
Rafael Nadal played an exhibition match in Mexico

Rafael Nadal is trying to keep himself fit for the upcoming season. He was on a tour of Latin America with Casper Ruud last month. Both players came to the Americas after their stints in the 2022 ATP Finals. He played many matches against the Norwegian as well as with local tennis players. Wherever the party went, they were given a warm welcome and a huge crowd gathered to watch both the players. However, the greatest number of spectators were registered when the World No.2 and 3 played in Mexico City.

About 30,000 spectators came and cheered as they competed against each other. Rafael Nadal is expected to fly to Australia early to get acclimatized to the climate and environment of Australia for the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne. Casper Ruud will participate in the inaugural edition of the United Cup where he will represent his nation, Norway.

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The 2023 season will also be the first time when Rafael Nadal will have to play without Roger Federer not being a part of the ATP tour. Arch rival Novak Djokovic will be there as he returns to the Australian Open after being denied participation in 2022 January by the immigration authorities. His visa was cancelled and the Serbian was deported at that time. He is now being welcomed with open arms.

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