Players and fans of the tennis community have been rocked by some very disappointing news. Two of the sport’s biggest fan favorites, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, will not be performing their yearly ritual with ball kids this year. For the first time since 2005, the kids will miss out on Nadal’s pool party in Barcelona and Federer’s pizza party in Basel.

Both events have been a tradition for the tennis superstars and many fans eagerly anticipated the post-tournament celebrations. Due to the pandemic and strict rules, such kinds of events were canceled in 2020. The following year saw just one of these two events happening. Now, the news of both these events being cancelled has left several fans disappointed and longing for the return of their beloved traditions.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal may lose their chance to live their tradition, a second time in a row

For over a decade, fans of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have looked forward to their respective post-tournament celebrations. For the Spaniard, it was his annual pool party in Barcelona. The “King of Clay” would invite several ball kids from the tournament to his villa to celebrate his victory. Nadal would often spend hours taking pictures with the kids and their families, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

The Swiss Maestro would host a pizza party for the ball kids in Basel, his hometown in Switzerland. It was a chance for the ball kids to meet Federer and celebrate his success on his home soil. The Swiss GOAT would personally serve the kids pizza and spend time chatting with them.

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The pandemic has caused huge disruption to these traditions. With the ongoing travel restrictions and health concerns, it has become increasingly difficult to organize such gatherings. Fans can’t help but feel a sense of loss in the absence of these beloved events.

Renowned tennis journalist Bastien Fachan tweeted, ” For the second year in a row, none of these two things will happen:

– Rafa Nadal’s pool party in Barcelona 💦

– Roger Federer’s pizza party in Basel 🍕

One had happened *every* year from 2005-2021 (except 2020, when both events were canceled due to the pandemic).” 

The events were a chance for fans to see GOATs in a different light.

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Several kids saw the legends as a fun-loving and caring individuals. The cancellation of the parties has left a huge void in the hearts of many fans. Fans long for the return of the “Fed Express” and Federer’s heartwarming gestures.

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