In the world of sports, rivalries often steal the spotlight, but sometimes, amidst fierce competition, a beautiful friendship blooms. This is precisely the case with two tennis legends, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Their journey from rivals to comrades has been an incredible tale of camaraderie, respect, and shared moments that have left an indelible mark on the tennis world.

Recently, Roger Federer’s former coach Ivan Ljubicic opened up about their partnership. Together, Federer and Ljubicic achieved remarkable milestones. Their partnership resulted in ending Federer’s Grand Slam title drought at the 2017 Australian Open, followed by two more Slam victories, bolstering Federer’s total to an incredible 20. Let’s find out what Ljubicic said about the Federer-Nadal rivalry and friendship.

Federer and Nadal, turned friends from rivals

At first, Federer and Nadal’s relationship revolved around deep mutual respect. They admired each other’s game, work ethic, and sportsmanship. Over time, they began to realize how they shared many special moments together and discovered they were on the same wavelength. As Ljubicic stated: “At first they just had a lot of respect for each other. Over time, they realized that they share many special moments. And that they are on the same wavelength. It clicked.”

Ivan Ljubicic, Federer’s former coach, remarked on their bond, stating, “If Rafa calls Roger tomorrow and asks him something, he will do it for him. Vice versa too. I think it’s beautiful that they have such a good relationship.”  The interview appeared on BAZ Sports.

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Last year, Federer and Nadal’s friendship took center stage at the Laver Cup, the tournament where Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis. As the rivals teamed up for doubles against American Players Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, one could see that their rivalry had turned into friendship.

ALSO READ: ‘There Were Scars.’ – Roger Federer’s Coach Ivan Ljubicic Details How Roger Federer Defeated Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open 2017 Despite a Negative History

The mutual admiration they had for each other’s game laid the foundation for their friendship. As they spent more time together on tour, they discovered common interests and values that brought them closer.

Ljubicic on coaching relationship with Federer

As Federer’s former coach, Ivan Ljubicic claims to have played a crucial role in shaping the Swiss maestro’s career. However, he humbly suggests that it was not just about his tennis expertise. In an old interview with Tennis Majors, when asked about the secret behind his appeal to Federer, he said, “Maybe it was not about my tennis mind at all! You have to ask him, but maybe he just trusted me.”

Ljubicic emphasizes that coaching elite players isn’t solely about technical aspects. It’s about spending time together, understanding their minds, and guiding players to think differently when needed. He believes that the relationship between a coach and player at the highest level goes beyond just instructing them on the court; it’s a partnership built on trust and shared goals.

The bond between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal goes beyond their iconic rivalry on the tennis court. Their friendship, nurtured over the years through mutual respect, shared experiences, and understanding, stands as a testament to the power of camaraderie in sports. From the early days of admiration to their unforgettable moment at the Laver Cup last year, their friendship has continued to grow stronger, captivating fans worldwide.

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