What Happens When Longtime Friends And Rivals Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal Collab For An Ad. It's A Smash Hit

It goes without saying that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are among the top names in tennis history. The former world number one tennis players recently came together to take part in Louis Vuitton’s long-running Core Values campaign. The duo showed up on the peaks of the snowy Dolomites mountain range in Italy for a photoshoot by famous photographer Annie Leibovitz. Louis Vuitton shared a video where the two tennis legends recalled their decades-long friendship and sports rivalry as they sat on top of the iconic LV trunk as snow poured over them.

Now, snippets from their conversation are going viral. When they are asked how they are feeling about shooting for the campaign, Federer, who is from Switzerland, says that he finds it “meaningful and very special”. However, Nadal, who is from Spain, jokingly says, “I am not used to the snow like Roger. I don’t feel my ears, but I am enjoying the shooting a lot and I’m having fun.”

When asked if they remembered meeting each other for the first time, Federer said no, but Nadal remembered watching Federer when the former won his first Wimbledon in 2003. Nadal joked that Federer, who was his senior in the sport, was a “little bit arrogant” during their first interaction. This made both of them break into a laugh. Nadal then quickly added, “Honestly, you were super nice. I was just arriving on the tour. I was super shy to talk to you.”

Federer later recalled playing against Nadal in Monaco in 2003 and described him as “super young and so good”. He said that he knew Nadal was going to make his place in tennis and Nadal proved him right. The Swiss player recalled that in 2004 when he was world number one, Nadal beat him in a match in Miami.

Federer has 20 grand slam titles, while Nadal has 22 and counting. In the course of 20 years, they have played against each other multiple times at major tournaments. Their wholesome and humble conversation has now been winning over the internet.

Commenting on their interaction, an Instagram user wrote, “These two will never be replaced in the hearts of tennis fans, and in the history books, not only for what they’ve achieved, but for their excellent sportsmanship, kindness, and how they have inspired younger players.”

Another person said, “The most admirable and inspiring rivalry! A display of sportsmanship that many should emulate. Competing for glory should not diminish the kindness and enjoyment shared between competitors.”