Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are two of the best tennis players of all time. With a special rivalry spanning two decades, the two have won a combined 42 Grand Slams. The duo has shared the biggest stages throughout their remarkable careers.

While Nadal won a record-breaking 22nd Grand Slam of his career, Federer has been missing from competitive action for nearly a year. However, they are set to reunite later this year at the Laver Cup.

Nadal opens up on special friendship with Federer

The Spaniard has forged a good friendship with his rival over the years. In an interview with Sky, he said, “With Roger, I have a good relationship and a special feeling.”

“After the victory, he wrote me a message to compliment me,” he added. The pair have met 40 times in the past, with Nadal winning 24.

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Federer won his 20th Grand Slam in 2018, beating Marin Cilic in the Australian Open final. This came a year after the Swiss maestro bested Nadal in five sensational sets to win in Melbourne.

Rafael Nadal: A 14-time Roland Garros winner

The Spaniard has notched up a remarkable 112-3 record since making his debut on the clay courts of Paris. “The last three and a half months have been difficult, there has been a lot of work behind it but also with many limitations. Being able to go all the way to Roland Garros with a win is very exciting,” said Nadal.

Nadal’s road to victory included a thrilling victory over rival and World No.1 Novak Djokovic. This was followed up with an unfortunate injury to German Alexander Zverev in the semis. Nadal claimed the Championship, beating his academy graduate, Casper Ruud.

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