Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are, in a way, the flag bearers of tennis. They, along with the Serbian tennis ace, Novak Djokovic, have dominated the sport for close to three decades, and their words hold value. Federer and Nadal’s take on any matter can change the flow of debates. In fact, they can cast an impact on even fellow professionals.

Usually, they have similar opinions, except for one time when they had a difference of opinion and Nadal accidentally spilled the beans in front of the media. Thus creating one of the biggest news at the time.

Rafael Nadal once called out Federer for not speaking about the issues on the tour

During the 2012 Australian Open, the Spaniard was quite vocal about some of the problems which athletes face. However, Federer, instead of backing his claims and bringing more light to the urgency of the situation, went ahead and said, “things are fine.” 

This in turn angered Nadal, and he criticized Federer. He pointed out how his unwillingness to speak out on issues such as the length of the season and the distribution of prize money is affecting men’s game and allowing others to “burn themselves.”

Though he later apologized for airing his disagreement with Federer in public. The 22-time Grand Slam champion said, “Probably I am wrong telling that to (the media), especially because these things must stay in the locker room.”

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Thereafter he added, “I always had fantastic relationship with Roger. I still have fantastic relationship with Roger. Just I said we can have different views about how the tour needs to work. That’s all.”

Read more: ‘Still Not My Strongest Point’ – Here Is Why Rafael Nadal Changed His Serve to the Level of Roger Federer Back in the Day

Federer also gave a similar explanation. He agreed on having a different take on the matter and addressed how Nadal developing an opinion of his own rather than following his lead is great. 

Federer and Nadal’s last match together

Federer and Nadal have faced each other multiple times on the tour. Besides creating one of the biggest rivalries of all time, they gave their fellow players and fans friendship goals. The two of them are the perfect embodiments of the sport’s spirit. In their 40-match-long rivalry, they proved that one can maintain a strong personal bond even after fighting tooth and nail on-court.

Federer retired this season after keeping out of the circuit for over a year. He participated in the fifth edition of the Laver Cup and chose Nadal to be his doubles partner in the last match of his professional career.

Watch this story: Hilarious Meaning of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams on Urban Dictionary! 

They played together for one last time in the O2 arena in London, against the American duo of Frances Tiafoe and Jack Sock. Although they lost the match, it was the best farewell possible for the 20-time Grand Slam champion.